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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
Review to come. Solid 4 stars for me. Really enjoyed this retelling/reimaging of Anastasia.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This series is so fun! It’s easy and light while touching on a few heavier topics. Since this is my third Cole book, it’s safe to say I’m a fan of her writing.
When this trope was presented, at first I didn’t think I would love the Royal tie in. But as the story developed, I found a love for Bez & Makeda because they had so much depth to their journey.
My biggest complaint? The pacing! I felt like there was too much build up compared to the ending and it felt a tad rushed in the last bit of the book. I had a different ending in my head, but who’s to say if it would’ve been better.
Since this is the second book in the series, you do not need to read the first for this to make sense.
Big thank you to Avon for the gifted book!
Content warnings: death, bullying, addiction, emotional abuse
Alyssa Cole's How to Find a Princess is a sapphic Anastasia retelling following a reluctant potential heir and the investigator who wants her to claim the throne. While the story starts a little slow, the characters are fully formed, jump out of the pages, relatable. Makeda Hicks is a giver. She wants to fix everything and feels her worth is based on what she can do for others. Unfortunately, this has lead to her losing her girlfriend and job all in one day. She's determined to do better, be selfish, stand up for herself. Just when she's reading to say FU world, Beznaria Chetchevaliere crashes into her life, bringing up old memories by claiming she is the lost princess of Ibarania. Beznaria is tall, smart, and sexy. She's confident and will get a job done no matter if she has to break some rules to do it. And not only is she determined that Makeda is the lost heir, she's going to bring her back to Ibarania and prove it. This fun romance has loveable, bold characters, fake marriage, and attraction so hot it scorches.
What I loved about the book: I loved the characters. Makeda is very relatable, and I loved her journey of giving all herself to learning how being a "multitool" doesn't mean she can't fight for what she desires. As a neurotypical, I think Cole does a fantastic job of creating a positive neurodivergent character in Bez. She's confident yet bold, smart, and sexy. I love the mind fireflies that describe her flashing thoughts.
What I didn't love: It starts a little slow but picks up pace in the middle. While the ending is fantastic, it does feel to end abruptly. I wanted a little more finish.
What I loved about the book: I loved the characters. Makeda is very relatable, and I loved her journey of giving all herself to learning how being a "multitool" doesn't mean she can't fight for what she desires. As a neurotypical, I think Cole does a fantastic job of creating a positive neurodivergent character in Bez. She's confident yet bold, smart, and sexy. I love the mind fireflies that describe her flashing thoughts.
What I didn't love: It starts a little slow but picks up pace in the middle. While the ending is fantastic, it does feel to end abruptly. I wanted a little more finish.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I absolutely loved the characters, but the plot didn't quite deliver. The ending felt rushed and unrewarding, which made the middle feel uneventful and drawn out by comparison. Disappointing, because the beginning and middle we're so strong until you realize that's all there is to the story, besides an out of left field plot twist and quick wrap-up. Finally, why no pirates, Alyssa?
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes