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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
I was really looking forward to this one and intrigued by the legally blonde idea but it just wasn't working for me. I really struggled with the place names I couldn't keep track at all what was going on with the stakes for the war. I didn't feel a connection to any of the main characters and didn't feel much personality or chemistry.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
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
Princess Cliodhna's life has been predetermined: she'll marry her closest friend, Prince Domnhall, and their two kingdoms will become stronger as a result of their alliance. The day Domnhall is due to propose, everything changes when he unceremoniously tells her they can't get married because she's too weak to be his queen. Understandably infuriated and embarrassed, Clia goes off to prove herself at the elite military "school" Domnhall and the captain of his guard, Ronan, are off to attend. She's got one year to demonstrate that she would be a perfectly strong queen and change Domnhall's mind. But war is looming, and things are not all that they seem to be...
This romcom-adjacent fantasy is a fun romp, but one that delves beyond the feminist satire of its inspiration. I love the premise and its nod to Legally Blonde, and was pleasantly surprised as it became a more sophisticated story along the way. Having your life upended, especially when that's accompanied by a blindsiding dismissal from your closest friend, would be devastating, and Princess Clia is not going to let that stop her from proving herself. I love a strong FMC, and that is who Clia is through and through. Though her strength doesn't initially manifest as warrior skills, and she's still saddled with insecurities, I loved watching her discover that she's more than she even hoped herself to be. And with Ronan by her side, I adored the two of them both getting to know and care for each other, but also boost the other's confidence. They're both struggling, even if they're not always open about exactly what plagues them, both because of status and their own walls. Their loving energy was so heartwarming, even in the wake of betrayal and war. It did read a bit YA at times for me, but that didn't take away any of the book's charm. Also, Murphy is precious and I need to have more of him in my life. I didn't expect to want a giant magical otter-like creature after reading this, but it's my mission in life now.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This romcom-adjacent fantasy is a fun romp, but one that delves beyond the feminist satire of its inspiration. I love the premise and its nod to Legally Blonde, and was pleasantly surprised as it became a more sophisticated story along the way. Having your life upended, especially when that's accompanied by a blindsiding dismissal from your closest friend, would be devastating, and Princess Clia is not going to let that stop her from proving herself. I love a strong FMC, and that is who Clia is through and through. Though her strength doesn't initially manifest as warrior skills, and she's still saddled with insecurities, I loved watching her discover that she's more than she even hoped herself to be. And with Ronan by her side, I adored the two of them both getting to know and care for each other, but also boost the other's confidence. They're both struggling, even if they're not always open about exactly what plagues them, both because of status and their own walls. Their loving energy was so heartwarming, even in the wake of betrayal and war. It did read a bit YA at times for me, but that didn't take away any of the book's charm. Also, Murphy is precious and I need to have more of him in my life. I didn't expect to want a giant magical otter-like creature after reading this, but it's my mission in life now.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Yes I stayed up until almost 2am finishing this and WOW. Just so fcking good. I really forget how much I do enjoy fantasy books when I’m not intimidated by page numbers or feeling like I don’t understand something. This was so captivating and FUN. So so fun to read. And the queerness??? So many queers LOVED IT. Can not wait for more from Cait!
adventurous
slow-paced
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC
Princess Knight follows Clía, the princess of a kingdom concerned with balls and banquets more than swords and sorcery, trying to win back the hand of her betrothed by going to War School to prove she’s more than a pretty face. While the plot itself is still vaguely reminiscent of Legally Blonde like its original ‘Medievally Blonde’ title would imply, the detail paid attention to worldbuilding, the complexity of Clía’s character, and the changes in the second half of the book do warrant the newer, more original name. The vibes were fun for the most part, especially in the first half, but I felt like as the book went on the worldbuilding grew tiresome, the characters fell flat, and the story lost its more grounded roots.
Princess Knight follows Clía, the princess of a kingdom concerned with balls and banquets more than swords and sorcery, trying to win back the hand of her betrothed by going to War School to prove she’s more than a pretty face. While the plot itself is still vaguely reminiscent of Legally Blonde like its original ‘Medievally Blonde’ title would imply, the detail paid attention to worldbuilding, the complexity of Clía’s character, and the changes in the second half of the book do warrant the newer, more original name. The vibes were fun for the most part, especially in the first half, but I felt like as the book went on the worldbuilding grew tiresome, the characters fell flat, and the story lost its more grounded roots.
I was initially excited by the worldbuilding, but it was hard to follow, even as some who has read authors like Robin Hobb, Kathryn Addison, Joe Abercrombie, etc. The background politics felt fleshed out, but without depth or rigor beyond using traditional Celtic lore that could bind them together. I was willing to suspend my confusion - this is romantasy after all - but the more the plot leaned on these elements the more they felt like a leaky roof dripping my doubts into an increasing full bucket of disappointment.
I also soured on the entire War School/Clía aspect. To me, what made Legally Blonde so loved as a feminist film was the idea that intelligence is not relegated to the subjects or people that are ‘smart’. And that could work here! But a girl who has never held a sword, was denied basic training, going from dragging it on the ground to winning against the most seasoned commander in under sixth months? That’s not talent, that’s not dedication, that’s a power fantasy. Intelligence and physical ability are different attributes - both trainable, but you cannot exchange one for the other.
Add in the side characters who seem to exist only as plot or cannon fodder, a predictable villain lacking in proper motive, some deus ex machina magic (I think it’s meant to lean toward fate but it just feels like a deus ex machina), and an annoying they-can’t-be-together romance trope and this book is just not for me.
I really wanted to like this book. I’ve seen Cait a bunch on my feeds, and remember the ‘Medievally Blonde’ pitch fondly. I was surprised when I went to write this review to realize this was listed as ‘adult’ fantasy - with the characters aged 17-19 and fade to black scenes, I felt this was a decent YA, the kind of book that I would’ve enjoyed as a teen. As an adult, it falls flat.
I really wanted to like this book. I’ve seen Cait a bunch on my feeds, and remember the ‘Medievally Blonde’ pitch fondly. I was surprised when I went to write this review to realize this was listed as ‘adult’ fantasy - with the characters aged 17-19 and fade to black scenes, I felt this was a decent YA, the kind of book that I would’ve enjoyed as a teen. As an adult, it falls flat.
Maybe I expect too much from romantasy, or the hype led to my expectations being too high. I did have a lot of fun reading the first ~250 pages or so of this, and I think the idea, and worldbuilding has merit. I hope the author continues to write, because Clía in the first half felt like a really interesting take on the ‘spoiled princess’ trope. I love the queernorm, the inclusion of autism/physical disability, and the real thought I can see in this. But I felt like at its core, this book missed its mark for me.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to HarperCollins for the e-arc of The Princess Knight! What a cute story, from what I understand this author took some inspiration from legally blonde when writing this book and it was executed so well! This is at its core a love story and female empowerment story. I loved the character development and the chemistry between our two main characters was sooo good. The only slight issue I had was the politics were a bit hard to understand for the first probably 60% of this book I had no idea what was going on with the plot. Sometimes, the heavy plot and politics happening alongside this cute cozy character driven romance made you almost feel like you were reading two different books BUT I will say they did finally come together cohesively at the end.
for the people saying “you can’t even tell it’s based on legally blonde”, youre lying. you can definitely tell, but that’s not a bad thing! this wasn’t a book where i felt like i couldn’t put it down but i did enjoy it when i picked it up. the last 100 pages or so is where the action really picks up and i started getting into it a lot at that point.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.
This story opens up with Princess Clía waiting to cement her betrothal to Prince Domhall, but it all falls apart when shows up late and refuses to propose. Clía vows to win back his heart by showing Domhall that she is strong enough to stand as queen by joining a warrior academy.
I really enjoyed the world and lore that Cait Jacobs built in this novel. I found it interesting and easy to follow even if you haven't read much fantasy. If you enjoy a story with battles, quests, and romance this is a great option! This novel also has lots of well done LGBTQIA+ representation. It took me a little too long to realize that this is a loose retelling of Legally Blonde, but once it hit me, I started enjoying it even more. (The book was initially going to be called Medievally Blonde and I think that is so much cooler) Clía is a quick study and she is here to prove that being a warrior and being pretty are synonymous!
This story opens up with Princess Clía waiting to cement her betrothal to Prince Domhall, but it all falls apart when shows up late and refuses to propose. Clía vows to win back his heart by showing Domhall that she is strong enough to stand as queen by joining a warrior academy.
I really enjoyed the world and lore that Cait Jacobs built in this novel. I found it interesting and easy to follow even if you haven't read much fantasy. If you enjoy a story with battles, quests, and romance this is a great option! This novel also has lots of well done LGBTQIA+ representation. It took me a little too long to realize that this is a loose retelling of Legally Blonde, but once it hit me, I started enjoying it even more. (The book was initially going to be called Medievally Blonde and I think that is so much cooler) Clía is a quick study and she is here to prove that being a warrior and being pretty are synonymous!
arc from netgalley
dnf at 44%
this was way too romance-heavy with an extremely weak fantasy plot line in my opinion. I got hopeful when the main character entered a SCHOOL FOR WARRIORS. but this fighting school turned out to be more of a plot device to get the romance brewing than any actual action or fantasy content.
my hope was restored when the main characters embarked on a magical monster-slaying mission. I expected action, adventure, and a little magic. however, it wound up being just a bunch of flirting on horseback. some mild action was sprinkled in, then the adventure just faded to black and the whole adventure was over and it picks up several weeks later**
I think if someone is just looking to read romance in a fantasy setting, then they may still enjoy this. but I personally think the plot was way too weak to be called romantic fantasy or even romantasy in my opinion.
**or some amount of time I don't remember exactly
dnf at 44%
this was way too romance-heavy with an extremely weak fantasy plot line in my opinion. I got hopeful when the main character entered a SCHOOL FOR WARRIORS. but this fighting school turned out to be more of a plot device to get the romance brewing than any actual action or fantasy content.
my hope was restored when the main characters embarked on a magical monster-slaying mission. I expected action, adventure, and a little magic. however, it wound up being just a bunch of flirting on horseback. some mild action was sprinkled in, then the adventure just faded to black and the whole adventure was over and it picks up several weeks later**
I think if someone is just looking to read romance in a fantasy setting, then they may still enjoy this. but I personally think the plot was way too weak to be called romantic fantasy or even romantasy in my opinion.
**or some amount of time I don't remember exactly