Cover Image: Cursed Princess Club Volume One

Cursed Princess Club Volume One

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Member Reviews

Cursed Princess Club is brilliant and I can't wait to get a copy of this on my shelf to reread over and over again. The use of colors and patterns to differentiate kingdoms is a brilliant way to make characters easily distinguishable despite the ever-expanding cast. Everything about CPC is charmingly sincere and it's a comedic masterpiece. The end of volume 1 leaves space for this beautiful story to grow and develop in ways that I can't even imagine. I look forward to the rest of the series!

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I didn't know I needed such a wholesome read! I only read a few comics on webtoons so I never came across this lovely story but I will most definitely be catching up over there. The story of Gwendolyn, the youngest Pastel Princess, is such a heartwarming story. You have family that makes sure she doesn't feel any different from anyone. The Club that includes her despite missing one key component, that we know of.... The princes started a little flat but they're building. It's very obvious that they are going to have an arc. I really cannot wait to see where this all goes. Also, I love the different textile kingdoms. Very creative.

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Sometimes life can make you feel like you’re cursed - isolated from the world around you, judged only for how you look and not who you are as a person.

That’s the story for Gwendolyn, the youngest of the three princesses in Pastel Kingdom, known for extending generosity (and expert baked goods) to all those around her. Her father the king loves his daughters dearly, but in an attempt to keep them safe he has isolated them almost entirely from the outside world since they were born.

Arranged marriages with the gorgeous princes of the nearby Plaid Kingdom seem to offer the princesses a chance to start a new chapter of their lives, until Gwen soon realizes the outside world can be much more cruel and superficial than the insulated life she’s known in the castle.

Running from this cruel reality, Gwen stumbles into a group of princesses that share her circumstances: each cursed in some way that kept them from having the storybook life they imagined. Together, these cursed princesses work to write their own happily-ever-afters,

Cursed Princess Club is an adorable, comedic read, and I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book. I found the king to be a little too controlling to be funny, but Gwen is a sweetheart and I love how supportive her sisters are. The other cursed princesses are definitely my favorite and I look forward to learning more about their backstories in future volumes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this title in exchange for my honest review!

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Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I'm going to be honest and disclaimer my opinion right off the bat - when I requested this ARC on NetGalley, I did not realize that the book I was asking for was originally a Webtoon. If I'd known this, I probably would not have asked for the ARC. I've traditionally disliked Webtoons, even when they're adapted into graphic novels, mostly because of the pacing and art quality of Webtoons comics that carries through regardless of medium. Keep this in mind while reading my review - if you like the Webtoon format, you may enjoy this book where I did not.

"Cursed Princess Club: Volume One" by LambCat follows the three princesses of the Pastel Kingdom as they enter arranged marriages with the three princes of the neighboring Plaid Kingdom. However, a problem arises when Prince Frederick notices how different Princess Gwen is from her sisters - primarily due to her sickly green skin, sunken eyes, and fangs. Feeling rejected and humiliated by the boy who was supposed to be her Prince Charming, Gwendolyn seeks refuge with the Cursed Princess Club, a club that meets in the haunted forest devoted to being a safe place for all princesses (and even princes!) who suffer from curses. Although Gwendolyn isn't under the influence of a curse, the princesses of the CPC welcome her all the same.

I'm not sure where to start with this review. The story has a lot going on, between the suitor plot and the CPC storyline, as well as the variety of extra subplots inherent to the style of webcomics. I'll start with what I liked - the idea itself is cute, and I enjoyed some of the CPC moments. There are bits where Gwen joins the CPC for tea, or a slumber party, and it's all very sweet. The different designs of the princesses in the CPC are also fun, and I loved hearing their backstories! And then, of course, there's also the intrigue of the CPC's mysterious leader, who seemingly suffers from a curse like the club's other members, though we don't actually know what her curse is. There were a couple of funny moments that made me giggle as I read, too.

Now, there was also a lot that just didn't fit my sense of humor. There are a lot of jokes that rely on gender essentialism, basically just a lot of moments where the butt of the joke is "I'm a BOY doing a GIRL thing" and I'm sure that fits some peoples' sense of humor, but it just made me groan. I'm also nonbinary, so definitely not the target audience for that. But yeah, there's a lot of reliance on those types of jokes throughout the book, and that didn't do it for me.

The art style just wasn't my thing, either. One of the things that draws me into graphic novels is the cover art (generally because it's a good indication of the art that will carry the rest of the story) so I was excited when I saw the beautiful cover art of "Cursed Princess Club: Volume One"! But the story itself just does not have the same style, shading, or attention to detail. This comes back to my personal dislike of Webtoons - had I known that this was a Webtoon in the first place, I probably wouldn't've picked it up. I understand that the update schedule of webcomics (and the fact that many artists draw webcomics in their spare time, as a hobby or practice) means that many character designs are heavily simplified and that in general the art is, too. Many scenes may lack backgrounds or thoughtful coloring and shading. I understand that this is something common in webcomics, but I wasn't expecting it initially from the book, and so it caught me off guard at first. Even acknowledging the book's webcomic origins, I was still sometimes disappointed by the use of colors and patterns in establishing character and location. A major part of the story's worldbuilding is that the different kingdoms seem to be identified by color or pattern. For example, our protagonist comes from the Pastel Kingdom (where everything is colored in pastel colors) and her suitor hails from the Plaid Kingdom (where everything is plaid). However, in reality, not everything is pastel in the Pastel Kingdom, or plaid in the Plaid Kingdom. This was just frustrating because the author set it up as the key identifier of the two different realms, but then sometimes would draw a Pastel Kingdom character or room in non-pastel colors. Also, in general this system to differentiate kingdoms could occasionally get confusing. At one point in the book, there's a llama character (don't ask) from the Plaid Kingdom who is primarily in pastel colors. The llama's identified as a Plaid citizen by her plaid bandana, but it's a small accessory in relation to the rest of her character design, and I frequently got her confused with the Pastel characters.

On top of all these nitty-gritty things, I just found the book very... messy. The plot goes in a lot of different directions early on (again, common for a Webtoon, but not something I necessarily look for in a graphic novel) and I still couldn't figure out how everything was supposed to come together by the end of Volume One. There are a LOT of pop culture references throughout the book that could really shatter my suspension of disbelief and take me out of the story. Also, sometimes the author relied on these pop culture references for jokes, and that just didn't make sense to me. It already felt strange to sample someone else's work, but then doing it for comedy? I don't know, it just felt weird. And then there were all of the worldbuilding things that didn't click - the story is supposed to be a subversion of the common fairytale (I think?) but then we're hit with a mix of the fantastical, old-fashioned, modern, and pop culture. There were moments when the Disney-princess-style secondary characters were sitting in their Disney-princess-style castle and they would be talking about modern technology, or referencing pop culture, and it caught me off guard. Winx Club could do it because they built up an internal logic around the mix of sci fi, fantasy, and realistic fiction elements, but this isn't Winx Club and it felt like there wasn't a lot of plot put into the worldbuilding elements. It's a somewhat character-driven story, so this doesn't always get in the way, but it can definitely hurt my suspension of disbelief during the plot-driven parts of the book.

Overall, I still think this book could appeal to fans of comics. If you're a regular Webtoon reader you'd probably be able to get through it, and enjoy it, if the plot or characters appeal to you. But I'm not really the target audience here and I wish I'd known that more going in.

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Cursed Princess Clubs is an intriguing concept that started as a WebToon. It's art is crude and childish, which may be intentional but feels unprofessional regardless. The characters, while interesting, are two-dimensional and cliche. I want to know more about the cursed princesses in question, but the shallowness of each characters make me hold on reading the rest of the series.

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This book was very cute and funny. I liked the overall feel of it but I think it is one that I would prefer to read in bite sized pieces online that all together in a book.

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I’m not sure if I liked this story or not. It is an interesting premise, but I feel like there are so many mixed storylines. At the beginning it felt very fairy tale, but as it continued it took on a more modern slant. I might have to read the 2nd book to see how it turns out.

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I couldn't read it from Netgalley. The form used wasn't compatible with my computer or the app. Luckily I have read this story before so I can say that it is a good one!

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I thought this was SO good. This was my first manga ever and it did not disappoint!!! I CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE!!!

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I downloaded this thinking it would be a fun book about a girl learning to accept herself with the help of other misfit princesses. Instead even the group that I thought was going to accept her.. made fun of her looks, just like the Prince we're supposed to dislike.

Also, what is it with the youngest Plaid Prince not being allowed to like the Pastel Prince? I'm pretty sure I recall one of his brothers even asking if he'd want to switch who he was engaged to, and nothing came of it! The two Princes even go into a tunnel of love type ride, yet Plaid Prince still seems to be kind of falling for our main character??

Anyway. This is a weird, and somewhat simplistic story that so many people seem to love from Webtoon and I just.. don't get it. The writing felt very childish at times.

My favorite part of the story is the Cursed Princess Club and I wish we'd been around those characters more.

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Webtoon for an ARC of this!

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Let's start with the illustration style, absolutely stunning. So vibrant and an absolute pleasure to take the time while reading to look at the details. The story was so unique and a wonderful take on sisterhood/brotherhood, new-found family, and misfits. I found myself attached to the Pastel sisters almost immediately. THEN, we were introduced to the Cursed Princess Club and I fell in love even more. Each character is such a delight and I found myself very invested. Everyone who reads this is in for an absolute treat! I look forward to it's official release to get my hands on it physically. VOLUME 2 PLEASE!!!!

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First, I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this so much! I think its absolutely adorable and I love that her family loves her the way she is and that they all think she is beautiful!

I will be honest in that I have read this webtoon up to date and I am so excited that it is finally out in book form!!

Highly recommend to anyone that loves fairy tales with a twist and mangas!

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Cursed Princess Club is a story about the youngest (Gwendolyn) of three princess sisters. Their over-protective father tells them that it is time for them to marry and unify two kingdoms. While the princes are visiting, Gwendolyn overhears one of them saying something rude, which makes her run away. While she is fleeing, she finds the Cursed Princess Club and makes some new friends. These new friends help her deal with what she overheard. The story continues...

Cursed Princess Club is a fun graphic novel, with an instance of mistaken identity and some great portrayals of sisterhood. There are themes of acceptance and family. The characters are wonderfully drawn and they each have their own personalities! The story has a pretty steady pace and doesn't fall flat. The cliff-hanger ending is sure to make you wish for the next book.

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This is a cute graphic novel set in the Pastel Kingdom following the three princesses one that isn't quite what you'd expect. Thank you to NetGalley and WebToon Book Group for my copy!

I really enjoyed the dynamics between all of the members of the cursed princess club. They are so kind and wonderful and accepting, while at the same time acknowledging what they've lost.

Prince Jaime is my favorite character. He is sweet and earnest and would do absolutely anything to help his sisters. Princess Gwen is also pretty well done. Having all sorts of crafting and DIY skills and having the heart of a true princess.

Personally the writing style wasn't for me. It felt too young, meant for someone closer to high school age.

However the art style is beautiful and very well done. It's a sweet story about accepting yourself and your differences... with a few misunderstandings along the way.

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This was awesome! I loved the idea of cursed princesses and how they banded together. I loved all the interesting, wild, unique characters in this story and the breaking of the "perfect princess" image. This was such a great, cute, and funny story and I really can't wait to see where our characters go from here! I need so much more of them all!

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I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. The book has excellent graphics. Plot held readers interest and ended with a cliff hanger. Making the reader want to know what happens next. Looking forward to volume 2

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I am SO glad to see this being published! It was one of my favorites on Webtoons! Gwen is so sweet and wonderful, I can't wait to read her story again.

Honestly, Frederick has a lot to learn. He's had it rough, so give him a chance, and Gwen is so so good and pure. I never finished the webtoon, so I don't know how this story ends, but I am excited to see how the Plaid Princes and Pastel Princesses mature and develop as characters.

One thing I did notice this time that I didn't notice my first read through is just how respectful the characters hold each other accountable to be. The cursed princesses objectify the butler? He puts them in their place. Frederick is super shallow? Literally everyone tears him a new one for it.

Just. Pure. Sweet. Gooey happy and heartfelt tender (throws all the Hallmark-y buzzwords at CPC) story ❤️

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Review to come in January to blog/goodreads.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I had my eyes on this one for a while. I even tried reading it when it was still a WEBTOON. Sadly, given how many episodes were out I just wasn't in the mood to keep on reading. I thought I would just wait until a book would come out and I could just read it much more easy. And here we are. In November! So delighted!

This WEBTOON/comic is about three princesses, though we follow one specifically. Namely Gwendolyn. She is the living proof that princesses aren't always having everything. Gwendolyn, whereas her sisters and even her brother are gorgeous sparkling beings, looks more like one of the Disney villains. Not always, but at points. I mean, when she grins? You probably will think about running instead of having a nice conversation. She is having a pretty good life with her sweet family, but what happens when 3 princes are coming by to marry the girls? And one of them is just a dick? I just wanted to hug Gwendolyn so many times in this book. Tell her she is perfect as she is and that he should be happy to have such a sweet girl at his side. I mean, sure, she looks like a witch, but she is sweet, adorable, can cook yummy foods, is dedicated, tries her best for everyone. And while her sisters (and very shiny brother) are trying their best to help Gwendolyn get more courage and feel better, I could also understand that it wasn't working out for her. I mean, they had it easy. They had the looks. They had the Disney princess quality.

So I was delighted when we got to the Cursed Princess Club. Yep. There is a Cursed Princess Club and conveniently it is placed near the palace. Which I found sus. But hey, I will take it. In this club there are princesses, and the odd prince, who are all like Gwendolyn in one way or another. OK, they all are cursed and so far Gwendolyn seems to just come to this life like this, but still it is a club for princesses (and the odd prince, yes I got to mention it) who are like her. Who also don't have it easy. Who also get judged for how they are. We got a girl who drank a potion and is now 80 years in looks while actually being 15 from the inside. There is a girl who transforms into a bird when she gets anxious (which is a lot). There is a girl who, when she lies, has a Pinocchio nose (I cared less about her because I am just done with cheating people). And there are more! I just loved how they embraced Gwen as one of their own. Tried to help her out. Gave her good reaffirmations.

But I am also very sus about this club. I mean, that boss lady? She is very sus. She doesn't want to talk about her curse. About what happened to her. Which is cool, but hey, everyone is sharing and she is just acting like this. Mmm. Also that the barn is off limits struck me as sus. Plus, there are others. I am curious if in the next volumes we will find out more about the club. Maybe get to see some darker moments.

The princes? Well, I loved the first two guys, though I did think they were a bit too much and I wonder how they would have reacted if they had gotten Gwendolyn. Still, I found it adorable to see them connect with their princesses and see them try to make them happy. I had a laugh when they went to an amusement/fairground thingie and found out the princesses didn't know about Haunted Houses. Teehee.
The last prince? The one who is with Gwen? I wanted to punch him. I am glad that we did get some backstory on him, see what happened to him in the past, and also see him maybe slowly get comfy with Gwen. That one scene had me just going AWWW! It was cute and I hope that we get more moments like this. That the prince is able to put himself over the fact that Gwen doesn't look like your Disney princess. And may be a bit scary when she smiles. XD

The brother of the sisters. Haha, I loved that guy, he needs his own series. Definitely. He made me laugh quite a few times, but I also loved how he was dedicated to his sisters. He seemed quite ditzy but he really seems to understand what is around him.. well sometimes. :P

The art was really pretty and I love the style.

All in all, I really had fun reading this one and I hope that we will get more volumes out soon, because I need to see how Gwen is doing, when the marriage is happening, and more!

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Wonderful. Hilarious. Well written. I loved this first volume of the CPC. The king was hilarious instead of tyrannical, which was nice to see, and all the characters were extremely likable. This book was so funny and lighthearted. I really appreciated how everyone treated Gwen too. Although the art makes it obvious that she’s super ugly, nobody seems to recognize it. Her relationship with her sisters is genuine, and she’s even her father’s favorite. Aside from Frederick, everyone treated her like a normal person. That was so refreshing.

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My reviews are done in video format. I recommend following the link below to view the content as I've intended it.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRCqrwHq/

Warmadillo
Hello and welcome to the Warmadillo Inc. Board review of Cursed Princess Club Volume 1 by Lambcat. For full disclosure a copy of this book was provided for free by the publisher for the purpose of this review. Now let's get started with that summary.

Warmadillo On the Left
Cursed Princess Club is an ensemble comedy series with a focus on the character of Princess Gwendolyn. You see, Gwendolyn and her two sisters have been entered into an arranged marriage on behalf of their father to the princes of the Plaid Kingdom. The resulting alliance of Pastel and Plaid will create a fashion crime so great that no other nation will encroach on their borders. But Gwendolyn has a problem. Her husband to be thinks she's very ugly which causes her to flee into the night and ultimately encounter the eponymous Cursed Princess Club. Now this series has some issues ranging from the sparse environments to the template-esque character designs but the good outweighs the bad. The jokes are witty and I appreciate the story of discovering a found family among a group of outcasts. Makes me dream of the day when I can leave this company and find a real group of friends.

Warmadillo
Fat chance, you only get to leave if you die and even then only if we can't resurrect you. Putting this out there now, Prince Fredrick is totally wrong. Spooky green girl is the best because she makes pie. Not only does she make pie, but it is canonically the best pie in the kingdom, which means she is the best person in the kingdom. Pie based analysis aside, I like CPC a great deal because it is precisely my type of humor. The moment someone pulled out the finger guns, I knew this was a thumbs up for me.

Executive Warmadillo
I agree with most of what you just said, however, the best waifu is clearly Prince Jamie. He's like if a dog was a person. I envy his nudism as someone that dissipates when not in a hoodie. I also want to take him to every restaurant on the planet since he can taste infidelity in cooking. I feel like we could extort a lot of free meals that way.

Warmadillo After Dark
I like Jamie and some jokes are funny but there was nothing here for me to really latch onto. The whole thing is so cloyingly sweet and saccharine, I imagine just like the pies that Gwendolyn makes. They talk about their problems and work together to raise each other up and I was just so bored. It could just be that I'm a monster, but I desire true conflict and emotional trauma which I found none of here.

Warmadillo On the Desk
Can confirm that I also did not like this. Not from the tone being overwhelmingly happy but because it was 300 plus pages of nothing happening. When I say that, I mean that the narrative is repetitive rather slow. The chapter structure reminds me of a sitcom in the way that things tend to reset between episodes. There's also the issue of how mean spirited many of the jokes about Gwendolyn feel from the other members of the CPC. They take one look at her, judge her to be irredeemably ugly, and assume her appearance is magical in nature. The flip side of that insult is the suggestion that Gwendolyn must've been pretty once and now she isn't, which just leaves a really bad taste in my mouth coming from the group that is meant to be her support network. Was not a fan.

Warmadillo
And there you have it, with three votes in favor and two against, Cursed Princess Club is Warmadillo Inc. Certified - Recommended.

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