By: Anne Osterlund
Write up:
Princess Aurelia is next in line to rule the kingdom of Tyralt, but she would rather be one of the common folk, free to learn and roam and . . . not marry the next tyrannical prince that comes courting. Naturally, the king wants Aurelia to marry for political power. Aurelia wants to marry for love. And someone in the kingdom wants her . . . dead. Assigned to investigate and protect Aurelia is Robert, the son of the king's former royal spy and one of Aurelia's oldest friends. As Aurelia and Robert slowly uncover clues as to who is threatening her, their friendship turns to romance. With everything possible on the line—her life, her kingdom, her heart—Aurelia is forced to take matters into her own hands, no matter the cost.
This was a nice, easy, afternoon read.
It was basically a romance novel/fairy tale. Aurelia is a typical female character that you find in these types of tales: a strong willed, plucky young heroine that doesn't follow the rule and has her own way, that all the regular folk’s love. But with all her pluck...she is trapped in the life her birth as a princess limits her too. She can't go anywhere without a group of guards following her (though she has mastered the art of sneaking out); she can't have any romance as gossip is the only pastime most people in the palace practice, and most of all...she can't marry who she chooses because as heir her marriage must be political. She yearns for a broader life, but she is stuck being a pretty accessory that only goes to parties and does what she is told. But because she is just coasting through life...she does not notice enough around her, and misses the many intrigues.. And what she misses, also because it is being hidden from her by her father, is that someone has been making numerous attempts on her life. After Robert comes back, and after another failed attempt, Aurelia gets suspicious of his activities, and she finds out the real reason for his return to the palace and that her life is in danger. She and Robert immediately suspect her stepmother, in some attempt to make her daughter, and Aurelia's step sister, Melody Queen instead of Aurelia. They begin to investigate and plan a trap to catch this assign. But both of them are surprised when they finally find answers, and both experience a great loss: one a loss of a trust, and another a loss of life...both lose family.
The romance of this book was handled very nicely. It was not the main focus on the book, but it was a nice gentle thread that was woven in along with the rest of the story. I loved the scene when Robert finally revealed his true feelings. I found it very romantic and realistic. I also enjoyed the mystery of the killer and how it was slowly revealed...though by the time you reach the major reveal...you kind of get a good idea of who it is. So it was slightly predictable. Overall it was an ice read and entertaining, but it wasn't great. Good though.
Grade: B-
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