Alexandra Monir’s *Realm of Wonders* is a magical and immersive journey through a vividly imagined fantasy world. Monir’s enchanting prose and inventive plot create a captivating story filled with wonder and adventure. The novel’s rich world-building and compelling characters make it a delightful read for fans of fantasy.

Life is too short to read books that aren't exciting you or making you happy. This is one of those books.

DNF @ 11%

I really thought I would like this book because of the ties it has to one of my favorite childhood movies. Instead, I think that it was the exact opposite though. I couldn't book connect and disconnect the cartoon from this book, which made it unappealing up read this book. I loved the movie, and I decided I don't need or want to know what happens after. Not badly written by any means, but just not for me

I was provided a copy of this from NetGalley.

The story of what happens if after happily ever after tragedy hits. From Jasmine's point of view as she steps into her father's shoes. A good fit for anyone who enjoys twisted fairy tails.

I absolutely loved seeing Jasmine finally get some agency in her story! Women rulers are so rare in the fairy tale world (and the real world), and it was great to see her battle the same obstacles that women all face when trying to make it in a professional arena.

I very much enjoyed this continuation of the Aladdin story. The original story was blended in and expanded upon very well.

I always knew not to mess with Jasmine, and this book confirms that belief. She is a spitfire character fantasy readers will fall in love with.

Another great addition to the Queen's Court series. I adore this re-telling of Aladdin that centers on Jasmine. I think this is a great text for all readers. Thanks Disney Publishing and netgalley for the ARC!

"Imagination is what gives rise to reality."

ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

TW: blood, confinement, death, death of a loved one, injury/injury detail, misogyny, violence.

I'm going to pretend I'm not dreadfully late in getting to this ARC and move on straight to the review.

Every time I read an updated book adaptation of a Disney classic, there's always the concern of whether or not the characters feel authentic to their animated counterparts. I can't imagine it's an easy task. Unfortunately, in that regard, I felt like this book missed the mark.

In what world would Aladdin want Jasmine to become Sultana to stop people from getting executed, but throw a temper tantrum the moment she makes a hard decision? Jasmine herself felt very quiet and subdued, which could have been due to the grief but it was so odd.

So much of the book felt like the skeleton of a story, where some scenes get way too much attention and others get far too little. For a relatively short book, it dragged rather excessively.

I'm grateful for the chance to read it and I could see how much the story meant to the author, but unfortunately, it fell flat in nearly every way for me.

Realm of Wonders is a fun book about Jasmine. She is dealing with figuring out who she can trust, who would betray her, and how to find herself and what she is made of.

After the Sultan's death, Jasmine faces having to fight for her rightful place as Sultana. She is given advice from a voice only she can hear. Unsure of who to trust, Jasmine tries to show why she should rule.
Opinion
I must say that Aladdin is by far my favorite Disney movie. So when I saw this book, I knew I'd have to read it. Having grown up in the 90s, I remember the two sequels to Aladdin. Unfortunately for me, this book wavers from what happened in those stories. It picks up after the first and goes down a different path.
With that being said, I really liked this book and at one point imagined watching it in animation. This story was quite a tale to read. Had I not watched the two sequels, I would have no reservations about this book. (Even after watching those two movies, I have little reservations.) Monir did a stand up job of projecting what could have happened after defeating Jafar. My only regret to this book is that Genie was not a part.
If you plan to read this without having watched Aladdin first, I urge you to do so. It will be a bit confusing without it.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing me with a copy of the ARC to read.

I confess I skim rapid read this one because I waited until the last minute to read it. From what I could gather I really liked Jasmine's journey in becoming herself and leadership skills. The 'twist' of her 'cousin' was well done. It was good.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. After the unexpected death of the Sultan, Jasmine must now takeover as sultana and deal with a funeral and a coronation instead of a wedding. When another possible heir to the throne becomes a possibility, Jasmine must compete in a tournament for the throne. Jasmine is convinced that things are not what they seem in Agrabah after being haunted by something her father said to her and clues that he left. Will Jasmine will the tournament and be crowned sultana? Will she be able to overcome whatever evil force is lurking in Agrabah? A great continuation story of Aladdin that is perfect for those who do and don't know the story.

It's time for Jasmine to become the first woman to rule Agrabah! But what a mess is going on in her kingdom. There are usurpers, mysterious troubles throughout the land, and ghostly warnings to figure out and combat.

I love this series! It has been so much fun to follow these Disney princesses into their queenship. I love that the story stays true to the original while adding on to the story we already know. Jasmine is determined to do what she has to do to take care of the kingdom she loves and to honor her fathers memory. She does show herself to be flawed too and makes some mistakes which is also good to see in an MC.

I'm looking forward to more books in this series.

I don't read many Disney retelling. I do, however, read a lot of fairytales retelling but not based on Disney movies. But Aladdin has always been one that I have enjoyed since I was a little kid. Magic carpet, Abu, Rajah... the beautiful settings. I have read quite a few 'One Thousand and One Nights' retellings which is what Aladdin is based on.
So when I heard of Realm of Wonders and told from Jasmine's point of view, growing up needing to become ruler; I knew I wanted to give it a go. I do have to say that about half of this book was exactly what I thought it was going to be. The passing of her father, a male person wanting to step up and take her place as ruler... and so on. There are some tournaments and I do love tournaments. It is something I usually enjoy and felt this one was done well.
But what got me was something that happened towards/at the end. (Not going to say as I do not want to spoil it. It made the story feel different, I like how it played out and unfolded.) I haven't read the other books in 'The Queen Council' series and I don't know if that would affect my thoughts or feelings. I also don't know if I will read the others. Disney princesses aren't really my thing I just love Jasmine so much.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick read filled with dramas, familiar faces, and fighting for what you believe in, then this is a read for you.

Realm of Wonders picks right up after Aladdin. The sultan passes away and Jasmine is just about to finish her coronation, when competition comes in for the throne. It found the overall story pretty great, except as it started to wrap up towards the end, primarily as we are introduced to the "twist" and the Queen’s Council. It felt weird to be reading about Mulan in Jasmine's book.

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing for the ARC.

“‘I realize that what truly mattered was never about securing the throne—it was being worthy of it.’”

Welcome to the magical land of Agrabah, where carpets fly, Jafar lies defeated, and the land’s princess is about to marry her true love… but also has to fight off inhuman assassins at night. Following the death of her father, Jasmine starts noticing strange shapes and shadows lurking around her palace, and sometimes, when she looks in the mirror, a woman with no eyes stares back. Not only that, but her imminent role as Agrabah’s first female sultana and her choice of a commoner, Aladdin, as consort cause her father’s old counselors to doubt her ability to rule. Then a pesky second cousin, Karim, materializes out of thin air and claims that he is the rightful heir to the throne. With nothing but a cryptic message from her father about looming threats and help from the enigmatic Queen’s Council, Jasmine must find her true allies amidst a dwindling group of supporters, figure out who on earth is trying to kill her, claim her crown, and finally secure her happily ever after.

For those familiar with Aladdin (1992), Realm of Wonders picks up where the movie ends: Jafar defeated, with Princess Jasmine poised to take the throne. Her coronation quickly goes awry, however, and this much-beloved Disney Princess must face yet another situation that tests her mettle: a fight for her crown. To me, the most interesting part of the book was seeing how Monir takes a classic Disney character and infuses her with a new vibrancy, especially playing up the feminist element of her character. Monir’s Jasmine is fierce, brave, and willing to stand up for what’s right—the traits of a textbook Disney princess—but is also ambitious and more pragmatic, having been forced to grow up more quickly because of her father’s death and the subsequent fight for the throne. Those looking for romance might leave disappointed as Aladdin, while an important part of the story, is not the focus as much as Jasmine’s path to self-discovery and queendom. However, Jasmine taking on the trials set before her and her cousin-slash-contender-to-the-throne Karim was my favorite part, and I wish it started earlier! The thrilling excitement of the challenges really grabbed my attention and fleshed out Jasmine’s character. I would’ve liked it if the action began sooner, and made more the focus of the story, rather than starting halfway through. Nevertheless, Princess Jasmine dazzles in this whole new tale about magical mysteries, fighting for what’s right, and staying true to yourself.

As a lifelong Disney fan, especially of the princesses, I was so excited to see this as an option for an eARC. The premise of the series - the princesses growing into their power and responsibilities and becoming the heroines of their own stories - sounded amazing, and I couldn't wait to read it. While it wasn't a terrible read, it was a little slower-paced than I would have liked, and occasionally even a little bit mired in itself. Alexandra Monir has style, and it was clear that she has so much love for Jasmine, but some of the plot twists - which I know were meant to be daring and exciting - ended up just feeling a little bit contrived and took me out of the story. It also took too long to really hit the point, and by the time it did, the book had about twenty pages left to go. I don't know that I'll continue with this series, unless something really strikes me; as it is, it's not a BAD read, it's just...not as good as I was hoping it would be.

I loved this next book in the Queen’s council series! As an adult who adores Disney I love getting to see what happens after the song and dance to our favorite characters. Getting to see them in a more mature (not cartoon) setting is my favorite part of this series.

I especially enjoyed getting to see Jasmine prove to be a strong empowering woman and and a great example of girl power …even when the odds were against her.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for the chance to read and review.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley.

Jasmine believed that she had gotten her finally happy ever after defeating Jafar. But after her father dies unexpectedly, her entire life changes. Now she's about to become the first woman to rule Agrabah and she doesn't know what to do. Jasmine finds a message from her father "Someone is coming. She must find the book." But her claim to the throne also comes into question. Now her father's advisors believe the best way to find the true ruler is to create a series of tests and dangerous obstacles. Jasmine now needs to create a team of advisors, win the test of the true ruler, and uncover the truth behind her father's last message to her.

I'm all for a retelling or a complete reimagining of a future of a princess. Honestly, this was my bread and butter at one point. The inclusion of a patriarchal society that Jasmine lives in really gives the reader something to watch Jasmine battle against. And the author does a great job of bringing the story we all know well to a new place and including a Jasmine that we know and love. The supernatural aspects of the book are those that you find with others in this series that is more of a loosely combination of different authors and princesses. I would definitely recommend this book to those who love stories where girls take power for themselves when people don't believe they deserve it, anyone who enjoys a good princess story, and anyone looking for a book with political themes and character driven storytelling. This is not a lighthearted read, however, so if that's what you're looking for I don't think it's the book for you.

This is my first book from The Queen's Council series and I really enjoyed it. I think every Disney fan wondered what happened to their favorite princess after the story ends. This is a rather creative, yet plausible look at Jasmine's future. It also carries a girl power message which I love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.