A review by artemishi
The Rebel Princess by Judith Koll Healey

informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The second in the Alais Capet duology, this book was slightly more difficult to get into. The sense of urgency was somehow lacking until the final third of the book, when stakes turn deadly. I suppose it's partly because we don't get introduced to Alais, who is cunning and observant, as well as blessed with a 'second sight' ability. The story follows the build-up to the first (and very bloody) Christian-on-Christian crusade, though dates are fudged a bit to lend tension. Alais doesn't really have a central part in the intrigue, but she functions as a sort of detective, motivated by her personal passions. Most of her value in the story is extended through repetitive observations and thoughts, which didn't help with the slow pacing or the (very little) character development. I do like that it didn't end on a happily ever after note, as fitting for a historical fiction around the time that an entire culture in what's now the south of France was wiped out. But for the most part, the book was 'meh' for me.