I now blog over at The Eyre Guide! This blog is an archive of my past posts.


Monday, March 25, 2013

Review: Palace of Stone

Posted by Charlene // Tags: , ,
Palace of Stone (Princess Academy #2)
by Shannon Hale

Plot Summary:

Coming down from the mountain to a new life in the city is a thrill to Miri. She and her princess academy friends have been brought to Asland to help the future princess Britta prepare for her wedding.There, Miri also has a chance to attend school-at the Queen's Castle. But as Miri befriends students who seem sophisticated and exciting she also learns that they have some frightening plans. Torn between loyalty to the princess and her new friends' ideas, between an old love and a new crush, and between her small mountain home and the bustling city, Miri looks to find her own way in this new place.

Picking up where "Princess Academy" left off, and celebrating the joys of friendship, romance and the fate of fairy tale kingdoms, this new book delivers the completely delightful new story that fans have been waiting for.

Review:

It's been awhile since I read the first book in this series "Princess Academy"and I think to really appreciate this book, it would have been better to reread the first, but the author does a great job of giving out necessary reminder details while keeping the pace of the plot going.  The story does feel more like a sequel in that it isn't very substantial as it's own story.  The plot moves so quickly, that the choices Miri makes seems a little abrupt, perhaps because it was set up more in the first book.  The romance is sweet and continues where the first book left off, with the addition of another possible love interest but his character feels a little one - sided, and I thought it was he was less of the third part of a love triangle, and more of a plot device.

The high point of this book came near the end though, because I teared up at some parts - not because they were sad, but because they were so emotionally satisfying.  I think Shannon Hale has this knack for capturing poignant, emotional moments that highlight character and important decisions and it makes for some beautiful scenes in this book.  Overall, I felt like this book was a very good read, especially for fans of "Princess Academy" because it gives more dimension to that story and more to admire in Miri's character.


Share this post: Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Email This Pin This Share on Google Plus Share on Tumblr
Scroll Up

4 comments:

  1. Ah, a love triangle. That's disappointing. I'm so tired of love triangles. They are used so universally as plot devices now that they have lost any meaning they once had.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! At least it wasn't a very prominent part of the story - it's almost like even Shannon Hale wasn't very committed to it.

      Delete
  2. I keep thinking I need to read more Shannon Hale! I might need to check this out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you would really enjoy her YA stories! They are so fun, and I love Shannon's writing!

      Delete