I have to admit, the only true exposure I have to the story of the twelve dancing princesses is the Barbie movie. Not being an expert on this story, I do not know how closely this story resembles the original nor how far it may actually swerve. I did find it very interesting and am eagerly awaiting another of Ms. Day George's books.
A mother who desperately wants children makes a deal with a diabolical underworld king. Little does she know that she is a pawn and will never produce the heir for which she longs. Instead she will produce 12 beautiful princesses. With each daughter, she returns to the villanous king and asks again for his help. Each time he "helps" her, she finds herself further indebted to him. She is forced to dance for the king at his midnight balls to repay her debt. Eventually, she wastes away from the constant strain on her body and the lack of sleep. She leaves behind her loving husband and her 12 daughters mourning her loss. As her debt was unfulfilled, her daughters are forced to continue dancing for the evil king. His intention is to never let them go, but to marry them off to his 12 half-breed sons. The evil king is unable to leave his underground lair, but his sons are able to enter the earthly realm at night. The children of his sons and human women would result in underworld children that could live on the earthly realm with no restraints.
Some interesting twists and turns occur during the story and I can only say I will not ruin the ending. Read the book, it's a good one.
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