Fierce: The F*cked-Up Fairy Tale of a Fed-Up Princess

Fierce: The F*cked‑Up Fairy Tale of a Fed‑Up Princess is a vibrant reinvention of Arthurian myth with a sharp, irreverent edge. Author Geoffroy Monde, alongside Mathieu Burniat’s bold illustrations, flips conventional fairy‑tale tropes by centering Ysabelle, King Arthur’s daughter, as a fiercely independent protagonist.

The narrative opens within a decadent yet decaying Camelot, where Arthur is a washed‑up monarch and Excalibur longs for excitement. Ysabelle, repulsed by her father’s arranged marriage schemes, grabs both the sword and her destiny, launching a quest that’s as self‑aware as it is absurd. Their journey through a world of bizarre alliances, untamed wilderness and prickly social mores is punctuated with razor‑sharp humor and feminist fire.

Monde’s pacing is both galloping and granular: Ysabelle’s internal monologue crackles with modern sensibility, while the fairy‑tale structure—quests, betrayals, magical duels—grounds the story in genre tradition. Where many twisted retellings falter under too much snark, “Fierce” balances its profanity-laced dialogue with genuine narrative heart, especially in Ysabelle’s evolving relationship with Excalibur, who serves as both mentor and sardonic companion.

Burniat’s art dazzles with expressive character designs and dynamic layouts; each panel feels energetically composed, from Ysabelle’s exasperated grimaces to the sword’s world-weary eyes. The visual style enhances the tone, which is playful, gritty, and unafraid to break rules.

At roughly 240 pages, the book maintains momentum without overstaying its welcome. Its blend of satire, swordplay and character growth makes it a standout in the growing canon of feminist fantasy. While its comedic profanity and irreverence may not suit traditionalists, readers craving subversive, spirited storytelling will find it refreshingly fierce.