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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
This book was such a lovely surprise. Clía is one of the most relatable characters I’ve read in a long time - her struggles with social stuff, masking, sensory sensitivities, and her special interest in fashion/sewing all hit really close to home. Maybe I’m projecting a bit, but she felt a little autistic-coded to me, and as an autistic woman, it was great to see that kind of representation.
I really liked Ronan as a character too. His experience with chronic pain was written so well - making it feel realistic without being overly dramatic. I loved how the story didn’t glorify pushing through pain just to be “tough.” It focused more on the quiet strength it takes to live with it every day. Plus, the way he trains and supports Clía with so much patience and kindness? Ugh. My heart. Their relationship was so gentle and respectful. There’s definitely chemistry, but it’s softer, grounded in mutual trust, and it was very precious.
The side characters were also a highlight, with their little training group slowly (and somewhat unwillingly in Niamh's case!) becoming a really sweet little found family. I also really appreciated how casually and naturally queer characters were included - it wasn’t a big deal, it just was, and it felt right. That kind of normalization brings me so much joy.
Lastly, the Irish folklore woven throughout the story was so interesting. I had so much fun looking up name pronunciations and art of the different creatures mentioned - I ended up down a few very enjoyable rabbit holes! That, combined with Cait Jacob's beautiful yet accessible writing style, gave the book a really immersive atmosphere.
I really liked Ronan as a character too. His experience with chronic pain was written so well - making it feel realistic without being overly dramatic. I loved how the story didn’t glorify pushing through pain just to be “tough.” It focused more on the quiet strength it takes to live with it every day. Plus, the way he trains and supports Clía with so much patience and kindness? Ugh. My heart. Their relationship was so gentle and respectful. There’s definitely chemistry, but it’s softer, grounded in mutual trust, and it was very precious.
The side characters were also a highlight, with their little training group slowly (and somewhat unwillingly in Niamh's case!) becoming a really sweet little found family. I also really appreciated how casually and naturally queer characters were included - it wasn’t a big deal, it just was, and it felt right. That kind of normalization brings me so much joy.
Lastly, the Irish folklore woven throughout the story was so interesting. I had so much fun looking up name pronunciations and art of the different creatures mentioned - I ended up down a few very enjoyable rabbit holes! That, combined with Cait Jacob's beautiful yet accessible writing style, gave the book a really immersive atmosphere.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Formally titled Medievally Blonde, the princess knight is a Legally Blonde retelling but with a lot of mythological depth. As soon as I saw this, I knew I wanted to read it.
It was quite true to the source material and I loved the relationships and how they were built. I loved the diversity in the characters.
It read quite YA to me, I wouldnt mind my daughter reading it.
I did enjoy the book, but it didn’t set me on fire. All round, it’s a great debut novel and I think it is worth the read.
It was quite true to the source material and I loved the relationships and how they were built. I loved the diversity in the characters.
It read quite YA to me, I wouldnt mind my daughter reading it.
I did enjoy the book, but it didn’t set me on fire. All round, it’s a great debut novel and I think it is worth the read.
This book was a cute medieval retelling of Legally Blonde, and it was a fun read!
Clía is a royal who refuses to stay in her lane and decides to charge into a military academy (male dominated) to win back the prince who broke her heart, and it’s honestly a blast watching her do it. She’s witty, determined, and chaotic; and her journey throughout the book was very fun to read.
A few moments were a little predictable, and the pacing dipped once or twice, but overall it was a fast, light read that didn’t take itself too seriously while still hitting the mark.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This one wasn't my favorite. It was an okay read. I struggled a lot to get into the story, along with struggling with a lot of the names.
I really really loved the idea of this book. A princess attending a school to become a warrior, that sounded badass. But it fell a little flat for me. I may try to reread this one at a later date and see if my thoughts about it change at all.
I really really loved the idea of this book. A princess attending a school to become a warrior, that sounded badass. But it fell a little flat for me. I may try to reread this one at a later date and see if my thoughts about it change at all.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
ARC Review – The Princess Knight
Holy. Moly.
This book is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
We follow Clía, a princess raised to do one thing: marry well and serve her kingdom through political alliance. She’s prepared, elegant, ready to fulfill that role... until her engagement is broken off. Not for scandal. Not for betrayal. But because she's "not strong enough" — not a warrior. And that’s the moment that kicks everything off.
Instead of retreating into embarrassment, Clía picks herself up and marches straight into a warrior training school — the same one her ex-fiancé attends — determined to prove her worth. But what starts as a quest for validation turns into something so much more: a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and truly finding her own place and voice outside of what others expect of her.
Clía’s growth is one of the best character arcs I’ve read in a while. She starts off soft and polished, yes, but never spoiled in the way you'd expect. She listens. She learns. She pushes herself, and when things break her down — emotionally and physically — she comes back stronger, not in the “sword-wielding badass” way (although yes, she learns to fight), but in a grounded, internal strength sort of way that’s so much more satisfying.
And the cast of characters? Perfection. I loved every single one of them. The group of trainees at the school felt like a real, lived-in crew. Each one has a clear voice, a struggle of their own, and actual growth. I was especially impressed by how even the ex-fiance I thought might fall into the "first love interest turned villain" trope had his own depth and storyline. And don’t even get me started on the found family vibes — SO GOOD. It gave me those warm, messy, complicated-but-loving dynamics I always crave in a character-driven book.
What I really appreciated is how much this story is about young people trying to find their way — not just in life, but within the heavy expectations of their kingdom, their families, even themselves. There's political intrigue, manipulation, and moments where they’re forced to stand up to authority and prove their worth beyond title or training. And it’s done so, so well.
Also, I have to highlight one of my favorite quotes from Sárait:
“Being overlooked often allows you to be observant. You get to see what everyone else misses.”
This line hit me like a freight train in the best way. I related to it so deeply — that quiet awareness, the insight that comes from standing on the sidelines. Sárait is a gentle, observant character I completely adored and related to.
The romance? Delicious. A perfect strangers-to-friends-to-lovers slow burn. Clía and Ronan were so wonderfully balanced. There’s mutual respect, steady trust-building, and emotional support woven so naturally into their relationship. Clía and Ronan don’t fall for each other because of proximity or dramatics — they see one another. They hold space for each other’s flaws, dreams, and heartbreaks. It’s mature and patient and meaningful.
And okay, yes, there is one intimate scene — it’s fade-to-black/open-door and truly not the focus. THANK YOU, Cait Jakobs, for writing a New Adult fantasy that centers more on self-worth, growth, and ambition than on spice. I can’t say that enough.
My only (tiny) gripe — and it really is just a personal preference — was the way the romance dipped into that frustrating “we kiss/sleep together but then regret it and say ut can't happen again (but of course it happens again)” back-and-forth. It only happened in the early stages of their relationship, and it didn’t overshadow the rest of the incredible story, but I personally really struggle with characters who dive into these intimate, emotionally-loaded moments without clearly thinking about how they’ll feel afterward.
One moment that really made me pause was after their intimate night together, Clía reflects:
“Love had never been a realistic option for her. It couldn’t creep into her life now. Not when this wouldn’t last.”
And I was just like… okay but why did you let things go that far then??
This kind of emotional whiplash always makes me cringe, and it felt unnecessary in a book that already had such strong emotional depth elsewhere. The romance was amazing without the constant push and pull, so the added “we did it but now regret it” cycle honestly undercut that progress a bit for me.
BUT. And it’s a big but — despite that one personal annoyance, it’s so worth saying: this book is incredible. The emotional weight, the character arcs, the writing, the world, and the romance (yes, even with the hiccups) were all so good.
And lastly, the ending wraps up the first arc in such a satisfying way while setting up for a sequel. These characters have come so far — they’ve earned every change, every lesson, and I am not ready to say goodbye to them.
I bonded with them over every training scene, every political clash, every heartbreak and hard-earned victory. It’s not a story about perfection — it’s about progress, and I adored that.
Final Thoughts:
The Princess Knight is a powerful fantasy story about stepping outside the role the world hands you, building your own identity, and choosing what kind of person you want to be — all wrapped in rich character development, found family, training montages, quiet observations, and slow-burn tension that absolutely delivers.
It’s an absolute must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy with heart.
Pick it up, you won't regret it.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
Holy. Moly.
This book is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
We follow Clía, a princess raised to do one thing: marry well and serve her kingdom through political alliance. She’s prepared, elegant, ready to fulfill that role... until her engagement is broken off. Not for scandal. Not for betrayal. But because she's "not strong enough" — not a warrior. And that’s the moment that kicks everything off.
Instead of retreating into embarrassment, Clía picks herself up and marches straight into a warrior training school — the same one her ex-fiancé attends — determined to prove her worth. But what starts as a quest for validation turns into something so much more: a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and truly finding her own place and voice outside of what others expect of her.
Clía’s growth is one of the best character arcs I’ve read in a while. She starts off soft and polished, yes, but never spoiled in the way you'd expect. She listens. She learns. She pushes herself, and when things break her down — emotionally and physically — she comes back stronger, not in the “sword-wielding badass” way (although yes, she learns to fight), but in a grounded, internal strength sort of way that’s so much more satisfying.
And the cast of characters? Perfection. I loved every single one of them. The group of trainees at the school felt like a real, lived-in crew. Each one has a clear voice, a struggle of their own, and actual growth. I was especially impressed by how even the ex-fiance I thought might fall into the "first love interest turned villain" trope had his own depth and storyline. And don’t even get me started on the found family vibes — SO GOOD. It gave me those warm, messy, complicated-but-loving dynamics I always crave in a character-driven book.
What I really appreciated is how much this story is about young people trying to find their way — not just in life, but within the heavy expectations of their kingdom, their families, even themselves. There's political intrigue, manipulation, and moments where they’re forced to stand up to authority and prove their worth beyond title or training. And it’s done so, so well.
Also, I have to highlight one of my favorite quotes from Sárait:
“Being overlooked often allows you to be observant. You get to see what everyone else misses.”
This line hit me like a freight train in the best way. I related to it so deeply — that quiet awareness, the insight that comes from standing on the sidelines. Sárait is a gentle, observant character I completely adored and related to.
The romance? Delicious. A perfect strangers-to-friends-to-lovers slow burn. Clía and Ronan were so wonderfully balanced. There’s mutual respect, steady trust-building, and emotional support woven so naturally into their relationship. Clía and Ronan don’t fall for each other because of proximity or dramatics — they see one another. They hold space for each other’s flaws, dreams, and heartbreaks. It’s mature and patient and meaningful.
And okay, yes, there is one intimate scene — it’s fade-to-black/open-door and truly not the focus. THANK YOU, Cait Jakobs, for writing a New Adult fantasy that centers more on self-worth, growth, and ambition than on spice. I can’t say that enough.
My only (tiny) gripe — and it really is just a personal preference — was the way the romance dipped into that frustrating “we kiss/sleep together but then regret it and say ut can't happen again (but of course it happens again)” back-and-forth. It only happened in the early stages of their relationship, and it didn’t overshadow the rest of the incredible story, but I personally really struggle with characters who dive into these intimate, emotionally-loaded moments without clearly thinking about how they’ll feel afterward.
One moment that really made me pause was after their intimate night together, Clía reflects:
“Love had never been a realistic option for her. It couldn’t creep into her life now. Not when this wouldn’t last.”
And I was just like… okay but why did you let things go that far then??
This kind of emotional whiplash always makes me cringe, and it felt unnecessary in a book that already had such strong emotional depth elsewhere. The romance was amazing without the constant push and pull, so the added “we did it but now regret it” cycle honestly undercut that progress a bit for me.
BUT. And it’s a big but — despite that one personal annoyance, it’s so worth saying: this book is incredible. The emotional weight, the character arcs, the writing, the world, and the romance (yes, even with the hiccups) were all so good.
And lastly, the ending wraps up the first arc in such a satisfying way while setting up for a sequel. These characters have come so far — they’ve earned every change, every lesson, and I am not ready to say goodbye to them.
I bonded with them over every training scene, every political clash, every heartbreak and hard-earned victory. It’s not a story about perfection — it’s about progress, and I adored that.
Final Thoughts:
The Princess Knight is a powerful fantasy story about stepping outside the role the world hands you, building your own identity, and choosing what kind of person you want to be — all wrapped in rich character development, found family, training montages, quiet observations, and slow-burn tension that absolutely delivers.
It’s an absolute must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy with heart.
Pick it up, you won't regret it.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
adventurous
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:
Complicated