The Untarnished: A Fairy Tale of Truth and Becoming (The Crowned Lessons of Catherine the Great) Hardcover – February 9, 2026

What does it mean to remain whole in a world that rewards compromise?The Untarnished: A Fairy Tale of Truth and Becoming is a modern adaptation of a moral tale written in 1781 by Empress Catherine II of Russia for her grandson, the future Emperor Alexander I. Composed not for publication, but for formation, the original story was intended to shape a child’s inner life long before power was placed in his hands.In this reimagining, young Caelen is sent on a quiet but demanding journey in search of the Rose Without Thorns—a symbol of virtue, restraint, and moral clarity. Along the way, he encounters beauty without goodness, generosity without wisdom, and comfort that asks for a hidden price. The dangers he faces are not monsters or battles, but subtler trials: flattery that erodes judgment, ease that dulls resolve, and temptation disguised as kindness.Unlike traditional fairy tales, The Untarnished avoids simple villains and easy triumphs. Its challenges are inward, its victories measured in discernment rather than conquest. The story invites readers to ask enduring questions: How do we recognize false goodness? What does integrity cost? And how does one grow strong without becoming hardened?Written for middle-grade readers yet resonant for adults, The Untarnished is designed to be read slowly, shared aloud, and discussed thoughtfully. The book includes a dedicated discussion guide for parents and educators, offering questions and reflections to support meaningful conversations about character, leadership, and moral choice—both within the story and beyond it. Read more