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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
As with the other books in this series, this book is a wonderful, empowering, non-stereotypical princess novel for young girl readers, and its flaws, not fatal ones, are the fact that things become so tidily tied together at the end, and that Shannon Hale is *very* emphatic about her messages. I don't mind these flaws so much, though, because it's nice in a book oriented towards this age group to see that people can live "happily-ever-after," even though it follows hardship and requires work. Also, I don't mind the obvious "messages" so much because I agree with them :)
In case you're curious, the following messages pop out:
1) Education is the key to paving a better future, both for the individual and for society.
I think that this one is interesting, because, while education has clearly empowered Miri and improved life for her village, she she struggles with feeling like her education and experiences separate her in some ways from her community, which is realistic in the experience of first-generation students, and anyone who deviates from "how things have always been done" or ventures away.
I also appreciated that Hale touched upon the fact that education, at least the "fancy" kind, may seem useless in the face of poverty, because there's no time for it when nearly all energy and willpower are dedicated to survival, and it seems like life will continue that way indefinitely.
2) History is written by the winners. Be skeptical of what you are told; think for yourself.
This is a powerful message to me, especially for young readers who may or may not question the history that they are taught in school, or think about how power structures and control of knowledge/propaganda shape opportunity. In The Forgotten Sisters, this is seen with respect to gender, and silencing women.
3) Women are often silenced and belittled, not because they're somehow inferior to men, but because they're powerful, and that power scares some people.
This one is pretty obvious, and it's said explicitly at least twice in the novel. I appreciate how the girls' strength manifests differently in the different characters (physical strength, intuition, sensitivity, cleverness, tenacity, calmness, and others). The girls don't have to have mad martial arts skill to be considered "strong" as it seems like the trend is in middle-grade and YA books lately, although Astrid definitely is. In this book, it's demonstrated that there isn't one way to be strong, although it is always a strength to have empathy.
4) Friendship with other girls is an asset.
The only reason that the girls in the book succeed is because they work together.
In case you're curious, the following messages pop out:
1) Education is the key to paving a better future, both for the individual and for society.
I think that this one is interesting, because, while education has clearly empowered Miri and improved life for her village, she she struggles with feeling like her education and experiences separate her in some ways from her community, which is realistic in the experience of first-generation students, and anyone who deviates from "how things have always been done" or ventures away.
I also appreciated that Hale touched upon the fact that education, at least the "fancy" kind, may seem useless in the face of poverty, because there's no time for it when nearly all energy and willpower are dedicated to survival, and it seems like life will continue that way indefinitely.
2) History is written by the winners. Be skeptical of what you are told; think for yourself.
This is a powerful message to me, especially for young readers who may or may not question the history that they are taught in school, or think about how power structures and control of knowledge/propaganda shape opportunity. In The Forgotten Sisters, this is seen with respect to gender, and silencing women.
3) Women are often silenced and belittled, not because they're somehow inferior to men, but because they're powerful, and that power scares some people.
This one is pretty obvious, and it's said explicitly at least twice in the novel. I appreciate how the girls' strength manifests differently in the different characters (physical strength, intuition, sensitivity, cleverness, tenacity, calmness, and others). The girls don't have to have mad martial arts skill to be considered "strong" as it seems like the trend is in middle-grade and YA books lately, although Astrid definitely is. In this book, it's demonstrated that there isn't one way to be strong, although it is always a strength to have empathy.
4) Friendship with other girls is an asset.
The only reason that the girls in the book succeed is because they work together.
I adored this trilogy. I think this is a great read for young girls. Miri is a strong female lead and a good example for girls. She is forced to attend a Princess Academy, in the beginning of this series, but she pulls through all of the trials that come at her in order to save her family, friends, and home which she loves so much. Miri was not one to want to become a princess, all she wanted was to return back home and live her life the way she wanted, surrounded by her family in the place she loves. It has been great seeing her grow through this latest trial and to help three sisters to embrace their heritage all without losing who they are. It had some great, funny parts towards the end.
I grew up reading the first book in the Princess Academy series. It was one of my favorite books of all time. (And also back when the cover didn't look overly childish, but really captured the feel of the book...but it isn't the point of this review to whine about how much I don't like these new covers.) These sequels are not quite as good as the original tale, but they are still highly entertaining and fulll of magic; and I'll admit, I don't want this series to end.
The things that held me back from giving this book five stars are pretty minor, but they still bother me. First off, I hate how quarry speech had to be explained. It was one of those things that worked better when you didn't have an actual explanation. Like the force in Star Wars. We didn't need to be introduced to midichlorians. It was cooler when they didn't exist; the same goes for quarry speech in here.
Also, I may be in the minority on this one, but I didn't love what happened to Peder's personality in here. I loved him a lot in the first book, but I felt like the second and third contained a cheap imitation of the loveable boy that I grew to love in the original Princess Academy. I don't hate his character by any means, but I didn't feel as attached to him as I used to.
But, enough about the bad. This book has too many good things in it to spend to much time on the things I didn't. First off, the three girls we are introduced to in here are so cute. Astrid, Felissa, and Sus are really fun to read about. They have a nice sisterly bond, they can fend for themselves, and the way their relationship with Miri adapts and changes as the book progresses was really well written.
Plus, the culture of Lesser Alva was a lot different then what I had gotten used to in the previous books. It was more of a Bayou feel then a traditional fairytale setting; I may like the traditional fairytale setting more, but getting used to this atmosphere was still really fun.
I loved Miri, as always. She's independent, very smart, determined...I could go on and on and still would not completely list all the things that I love about her. Her teaching a princess academy of her own was so perfect, even if it was not a traditional princess academy.
I thought, though, that perhaps the confilict in this book was a little less intense than in the previous series? There was a lot of little things that they had to deal with, and later one big thing, but it never seemed to me like the issues were as pressing or thrilling as in the previous books.
The big reveal at the end of the story, though, made this book really 'wow'. I had not seen it coming in the slightest. It was emotional, shocking...it was a perfect plot twist. And the epilogue? Well, that would be an interesting spinoff series to say the least.
This is a series that I'll definitely miss. I've reread its pages multiple times, beat up my copy of the first installment until the spine isn't even readable anymore, and put it on my bookshelf of most adored books. I've loved every minute of The Princess Academy series, and I'm satisfied with the way it finished.
Bye, Princess Academy. I don't want you to end, but I think that the way you did end was quite perfect.
The things that held me back from giving this book five stars are pretty minor, but they still bother me. First off, I hate how quarry speech had to be explained. It was one of those things that worked better when you didn't have an actual explanation. Like the force in Star Wars. We didn't need to be introduced to midichlorians. It was cooler when they didn't exist; the same goes for quarry speech in here.
Also, I may be in the minority on this one, but I didn't love what happened to Peder's personality in here. I loved him a lot in the first book, but I felt like the second and third contained a cheap imitation of the loveable boy that I grew to love in the original Princess Academy. I don't hate his character by any means, but I didn't feel as attached to him as I used to.
But, enough about the bad. This book has too many good things in it to spend to much time on the things I didn't. First off, the three girls we are introduced to in here are so cute. Astrid, Felissa, and Sus are really fun to read about. They have a nice sisterly bond, they can fend for themselves, and the way their relationship with Miri adapts and changes as the book progresses was really well written.
Plus, the culture of Lesser Alva was a lot different then what I had gotten used to in the previous books. It was more of a Bayou feel then a traditional fairytale setting; I may like the traditional fairytale setting more, but getting used to this atmosphere was still really fun.
I loved Miri, as always. She's independent, very smart, determined...I could go on and on and still would not completely list all the things that I love about her. Her teaching a princess academy of her own was so perfect, even if it was not a traditional princess academy.
I thought, though, that perhaps the confilict in this book was a little less intense than in the previous series? There was a lot of little things that they had to deal with, and later one big thing, but it never seemed to me like the issues were as pressing or thrilling as in the previous books.
The big reveal at the end of the story, though, made this book really 'wow'. I had not seen it coming in the slightest. It was emotional, shocking...it was a perfect plot twist. And the epilogue? Well, that would be an interesting spinoff series to say the least.
This is a series that I'll definitely miss. I've reread its pages multiple times, beat up my copy of the first installment until the spine isn't even readable anymore, and put it on my bookshelf of most adored books. I've loved every minute of The Princess Academy series, and I'm satisfied with the way it finished.
Bye, Princess Academy. I don't want you to end, but I think that the way you did end was quite perfect.
There is one big silly plot point in the centre of this book, which is a little hard to get past. Once you muscle past it, however, the story unfolds delightfully. I was clapping my hands like a delighted seal once they got into the walls. (heheheheheheheh.)
I think I love Shannon Hale's work most when she's writing something a bit silly. And goodness, once I accepted that was happening here, it was a wild joy ride.
I think I love Shannon Hale's work most when she's writing something a bit silly. And goodness, once I accepted that was happening here, it was a wild joy ride.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
I read 75% of this in one sitting because I couldn’t stop reading it!
A strong and satisfying ending to the Princess Academy trilogy. Miri’s character and the tone of the books remain consistent, which works really well paired with the different settings and themes each book tackles.
The book starts off with Miri traveling on her ownto a completely unfamiliar swamp and doesn’t interact directly with any supporting characters from the previous two books for the first two thirds of the book. Fortunately, with linder nearby and several letters between chapters, the book doesn’t suffer from the sudden, complete change and total isolation that so often drag down other books.
Like always, the characters are really well-done, specifically the female characters, because the book focuses on those the most. Although the Queen isn’t in the book very much, I found her arc compelling (especially as a continuation from the first book). I liked the sisters a lot, too. Their bond with Miri overtheir mothers dying and acceptance of her into their sisterhood was really sweet.
It was not quite as strong as the second book in my opinion. The endingconversation between the commander, high commander, Kaspar, and the girls felt a little unrealistic and easy , but overall it had strong, good themes, was well-written and generally clever, and was a very enjoyable read. I never had to push myself to keep reading, it was always interesting and enjoyable.
A strong and satisfying ending to the Princess Academy trilogy. Miri’s character and the tone of the books remain consistent, which works really well paired with the different settings and themes each book tackles.
The book starts off with Miri traveling on her own
Like always, the characters are really well-done, specifically the female characters, because the book focuses on those the most. Although the Queen isn’t in the book very much, I found her arc compelling (especially as a continuation from the first book). I liked the sisters a lot, too. Their bond with Miri over
It was not quite as strong as the second book in my opinion. The ending
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Confinement, Death of parent, Abandonment, War
Minor: Animal death, Death
3.5 stars
I have a bit of a gripe: the series title could be better. I don't feel like it properly conveys all the crap Miri finds herself involved in. Then again, I guess everything kind of started out because of the Princess Academy? Still...
I love the characters that Hale creates - the sisters are pretty fun to read and even though Kasper wasn't in it for long, it felt like he stole every scene he was in.
I have a bit of a gripe: the series title could be better. I don't feel like it properly conveys all the crap Miri finds herself involved in. Then again, I guess everything kind of started out because of the Princess Academy? Still...
I love the characters that Hale creates - the sisters are pretty fun to read and even though Kasper wasn't in it for long, it felt like he stole every scene he was in.
In this third and final book in the Princess Academy series, Miri's plans to return home to Mount Eskel are put on hold. Instead, the queen asks her to venture south to a swampy region of Danland to become tutor to three royal cousins. She cannot refuse, since the future of Danland is in the balance. Stora is threatening to invade and only the marriage of one of these sisters to the King of Stora can save their country. But the swamp is like nothing Miri has ever seen and the three sisters are too busy trying to survive to be interested in the lessons Miri needs to teach them. This is a must read for fans of the series, and fans of courageous young women who take matters into their own hands. Definitely read the series in order. Recommended for grades 4-8.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley.
This was a wonderful conclusion to the Princess Academy trilogy! I liked the new characters and the epilogue made me smile.
This was really lovely!
Miri is ready to return home to Mount Eskel, but first the queen requires her to go to a swamp to be the tutor for a Princess Academy for royal cousins, in the hopes that one of them can marry an elderly kind and avert a war. But the cousins are not at all what Miri was expecting and her task becomes much more complicated. Can Miri prevent a war, and save Mount Eskel in doing so?
Miri is ready to return home to Mount Eskel, but first the queen requires her to go to a swamp to be the tutor for a Princess Academy for royal cousins, in the hopes that one of them can marry an elderly kind and avert a war. But the cousins are not at all what Miri was expecting and her task becomes much more complicated. Can Miri prevent a war, and save Mount Eskel in doing so?