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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
This was a lot of fun and I loved it. It better be at least a duology because I need more. It was fantastic to watch her grow into her self and see how strong she really can be. The romance was also so cute and I loved seeing it develop.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
Didn’t quite hit the mark - but still really good and obviously a super fun concept! Middle was just a bit slow.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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:
Complicated
I think if you go into this book expecting it to be a carbon copy of Legally Blonde, you’ll be disappointed. That being said, the premise of hyper-feminine Princess Clía following Prince Domhnall—who called off their engagement—to a military school Caisleán Cósta in order to prove herself a strong enough warrior to run a kingdom, is fairly reminiscent of Legally Blonde.
Early on in her journey at the Caisleán Cósta, Clía moves away from trying to gain Domhnall’s approval to making a name for herself and building her own confidence as future ruler of her kingdom. I thought the pacing of Clía’s character development as well as her budding relationship with Domhnall’s knight, Ronan, who attended Caisleán Cósta with them, made sense and felt appropriate. The politics and war developments outside of Caisleán Cósta could have maybe been explored a little more, but with this being a standalone novel, as well as already over 500 pages, I feel like what was included was reasonable. I also really enjoyed the inclusion of Ronan’s disability and how he was accommodated, instead of using the magic in the world to completely erase his chronic pain.
The plot was somewhat predictable at times, but I don’t necessarily take that as a negative; rather more of a result of the genre. I don’t think I have ever read anything too similar to this book, so it stands on its own, for sure. The romance sub-plot was super cute and the overarching war plot was compelling enough for it to be interesting. I would hope for a sequel, but the open-endedness of how it was wrapped up was satisfying enough.
Thank you NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
hopeful
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:
Complicated
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
fast-paced
„The Princess Knight“ by Cait Jacobs follows Princess Clíodhna Fionnáin, a seemingly shallow princess who’s only concerns appear to be balls, gowns and the expectation, that her childhood friend prince Domhnalls will offer her to marry him, to strengthen both their kingdoms. But the story takes a different turn when Clía decides to attend Caisleán Cósta, the fiercest warrior academy in all kingdoms to try and get what she wants…at least what she thinks she wants…until Clía is forced to question what she truly desires and to prove that she takes her duties as a princess seriously and that she’s much more than just a pretty face dressed in pink.
The overall premise of the book and the writing were great. I think knowing that the book was original titled „Medievally Blonde“ helped me understand the characters and the premise better.
I really liked the characters and I especially enjoyed Clía and Ronans love story. Whenever the focus shifted to them, the story felt much more lighthearted. Their love story and journey did not feel forced, quite the opposite, it had a nice and easy feel to it, which gave the book a cosy element amids all the tension and violence that naturally comes with the topic of war and the plot mainly taking place at a warrior academy. I caught myself smiling and giggling many times reading their scenes together.
My main issue with the book were its pacing and the fact that certain aspects were brushed over too quickly and that, whenever a climax was reached/ an important and tense moment was reached, it was over too abruptly in my opinion. I would have loved for the author to flesh it out more. The build up and the writing were good, it just felt a little unsatisfying whenever the moment was over so suddenly.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books and Harper Voyager US for giving me access to this ARC!
#ThePrincessKnight #NetGalley
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, I started reading this and realized that I am not the target audience for this book. While I believe there are a lot of people out there who will love this book, I couldn't finish it. There are aspects to this story that are not enjoyable for me.
Points of Issue:
- it wasn't very Legally Blonde (creative liberties like crazy)
- but also TOO Legally Blonde (hitting every plot beat, shoving down our throats that this is Elle)
- the names of... everything
- the cover is horrifying
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, I started reading this and realized that I am not the target audience for this book. While I believe there are a lot of people out there who will love this book, I couldn't finish it. There are aspects to this story that are not enjoyable for me.
Points of Issue:
- it wasn't very Legally Blonde (creative liberties like crazy)
- but also TOO Legally Blonde (hitting every plot beat, shoving down our throats that this is Elle)
- the names of... everything
- the cover is horrifying
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
“After years of practice, she knew how to be exactly what they wanted her to be, and she was excellent at donning the mask.”
I was super hyped by this one and I’m sorry to admit that it didn’t make it for me, for several reasons.
The writing is fast paced, but lacks in immersivity, especially during battle scenes, and I caught myself drifting out several times. It’s not that it’s bad, just that it doesn’t work for me, as I want to feel things more than seeing them, and I prefer stories that take more their time —but if you like self paced ones, you should like the writing style.
It also lacked fantasy to my liking, as the book is more centered around the medieval universe. The book is political before anything else, and it’s rarely what I prefer —again, if you like political plots, then you should enjoy.
I liked the FMC however. She’s devoted to her realm and if it means appearing as a superficial blonde, then be it. But the day she decides —no matter her motivation— to join the military academy, she gives it her all too, even though things aren’t easy for her… at all. I liked that aspect too, that she had to work hard for it, and loved seeing her relationship with Ronan develop as he’s training her. Regarding his character, my favorite thing was the depiction of chronic pain in a very relatable way, and I adored his resilience.
In the end, the book had some strong qualities, but it unfortunately lacked a bit of magic to me.
Thank you to the author and Magpie for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
I was super hyped by this one and I’m sorry to admit that it didn’t make it for me, for several reasons.
The writing is fast paced, but lacks in immersivity, especially during battle scenes, and I caught myself drifting out several times. It’s not that it’s bad, just that it doesn’t work for me, as I want to feel things more than seeing them, and I prefer stories that take more their time —but if you like self paced ones, you should like the writing style.
It also lacked fantasy to my liking, as the book is more centered around the medieval universe. The book is political before anything else, and it’s rarely what I prefer —again, if you like political plots, then you should enjoy.
I liked the FMC however. She’s devoted to her realm and if it means appearing as a superficial blonde, then be it. But the day she decides —no matter her motivation— to join the military academy, she gives it her all too, even though things aren’t easy for her… at all. I liked that aspect too, that she had to work hard for it, and loved seeing her relationship with Ronan develop as he’s training her. Regarding his character, my favorite thing was the depiction of chronic pain in a very relatable way, and I adored his resilience.
In the end, the book had some strong qualities, but it unfortunately lacked a bit of magic to me.
Thank you to the author and Magpie for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
This medieval retelling of Legally Blonde was the perfect mix of its own story and fun nods to Legally Blonde in there. My favorite nod was to "bend and snap". This book's version of "bend and snap" had me laughing so much!
I loved the setting of the military academy. It was amazing to watch Clía become a stronger person and stronger ruler throughout her time there. She went from a simple princess to a warrior princess who is ready to lead her country. And she couldn't have done it without the help of Ronan. Ronan was a great character and he could not have been more supportive of Clía. Their relationship was built on such a strong connection. They built a very solid relationship throughout their journey together.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
I loved the setting of the military academy. It was amazing to watch Clía become a stronger person and stronger ruler throughout her time there. She went from a simple princess to a warrior princess who is ready to lead her country. And she couldn't have done it without the help of Ronan. Ronan was a great character and he could not have been more supportive of Clía. Their relationship was built on such a strong connection. They built a very solid relationship throughout their journey together.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!