Parents' Guide to

Of Princes and Promises: Rosetta Academy, Book 2

By Lucinda Dyer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Sweet, engaging romcom sequel a twist on froggy fairy tale.

Book Sandhya Menon Coming of Age 2021
Of Princes and Promises: Rosetta Academy, Book 2 Poster Image

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What's the Story?

OF PRINCES AND PROMISES is set just outside of Aspen, Colorado in a boarding school filled with the children of millionaires and billionaires from around the world. Caterina LaValle is glamorous, popular and just a bit heartbroken. Earlier in her senior year, she'd found her boyfriend, Alaric, had been cheating on her. That means she doesn't have a date to one of the most important galas of the social year. And it can't be just any date, she needs someone who'll make Alaric regret he's now dating a supermodel. As she casts her eyes around school for potential date material, there's no one she finds quite up to the task. Her only alternative is to create the perfect date, and she chooses an unlikely candidate. The sweet and nerdy Rahul Chopra is so unimpressive that his politician mother actually uses a stand-in for him in family photos. Using magic hair gel she gets from a local shop, Caterina transforms Rahul into RC, a handsome self-assured Indian prince. The transformation is a success and Rahul begins using the gel every time he accompanies Caterina to a party. But after each party, he must turn back into shy and awkward Rahul. As they begin spending more and more time together, Caterina finds she's attracted to the kind and quiet Rahul more than the sophisticated RC, while Rahul becomes reluctant to give up his new identity as a stylish and popular prince.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Menon continues her Rosetta Academy series of updated fairy tales with strong messages, this time about acceptance and never being quick to judge. While the novel's characters are once again wealthy and privileged teens, the storylines focus on problems and challenges they have in common with many readers (being in love, having your heart broken, troubled relationships with parents, and wanting to be popular).

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the false identity scheme in Of Princes and Promises. What does the story have to say about the importance and challenges of accepting yourself for who you are rather than trying to be someone you believe might impress others?

  • What makes someone popular at your school? Are they qualities you admire or do you think some students are popular for all the wrong reasons?

  • When you read about celebrities online or in magazines, how much of what's reported actually reflects who they really are? If you were a celebrity, how much of your life would you share with the media?

Book Details

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