Reviews

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

kristenlees's review against another edition

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4.0

this was cute. i can see myself loving this when i was younger. don't think i'll continue the series, but it was cute and i liked it overall.

cedi's review against another edition

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4.0

This book has an amazing author, who crafted this story beautifully. Young girls are prepared and educated to be options for the prince to choose for his bride. But I like how it's less like they're selling themselves to the throne, and more that they're learning and getting the opportunity to grow more than they would have ever gotten in their hometown. The prince chooses a sweet girl, and they're all reunited with their families. It's cute.

angelicprose's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

this is a really good middle-grade book, with all the pros you expect from middle grade: lovable characters, a simple yet engaging plot, funny moments, and a heartwarming ending. it's cozy, but still fun and adventurous. it has a wide variety of characters who are all lovable in their own ways, and it teaches forgiveness, understanding, and self-confidence.

tashaseegmiller's review against another edition

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5.0

I really liked this book more than I thought I would. Granted, it is geared for a younger audience, so there were moments that I didn't care for as much as I'm sure younger girls would, but I enjoyed it enough to want to read all of Hale's other books. Meeting her makes me want to read all the rest even more.

jose_kg's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I'm reading this as an adult after enjoying it a lot when I was somewhere between 10 and 13. I think it's a great book for that kind of age but as an adult it did feel very young. There were some nice themes of acceptance of your own flaws, realising that others don't necessarily see you the way you think they do and the importance of education. 

Overall I think it's still a good book, but not one I'd particularly recommend re reading as an adult. 

gmc16's review

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kaykarlin's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

coralcosmonaut's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

frostap's review against another edition

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3.0

My rating is the average of Adult Amanda's (two stars) and 9-year-old Amanda's (four stars). This book was diverting and the young characters didn't completely annoy me, but I could not get on board with the "quarry speak". This won a Newbery? I can see how it would be appealing to young girls, though, and, while not the American Girl books of my youth, is not the worst book written for that set.

slowreader09's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0