The Prince (Berkley Sensation)

Rating:
Summary: fine romantic fantasy
Review: King Richard of Valinor commits treachery by attacking Venya. Richard has the ruling monarch and his wife killed, but Sir Ewan and a few other leaders manage to rescue seven year old Prince Florien.

Eighteen years later, Princess Rose of Valinor escapes from her Uncle Richard. She seeks Florien as the only person who might keep her safe since she believes he would never sell her to his enemy her uncle. Rose meets Florien who rejects her contention that she is his enemy's niece, but takes her on his ship, the Quest.

Rose convinces Florien that she is who she claims to be because of her knowledge of the atrocities perpetrated on his people. He still reels from the crushing of his Fheara tribesmen by Richard while the Filidh mages have made their home on another island and want to forget their heritage. Rose tells him that the Fheara feel abandoned by him and the mages. Florien wonders if Rose is part of the prophecy to regain Venya; by marrying her can he regain what he lost as his people will no longer fight for him, but would rally around his courageous Rose who he loves.

This romantic fantasy contains magical elements that seem genuine and add depth especially an exciting Game of Kings contest that will remind fans of the wizards' fight in Disney's The Sword and the Stone. Fans will appreciate the strong female character, but also find fault with the obstinate Florien always insisting on going it alone. Well written so that the audiences of both genres will treasure, but the anticipated confrontation with the villain and the retaking back the Prince's lost land never happens.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: enchanting
Review: What a truly entertaining novel. The characters come alive, the setting incredibly real. I loved the blossoming love story, as well as the writer's extreme attention to detail. Ms. Minogue is a born story teller. Her writing is rich, with layer upon layer of nuances. Can't wait for the next book.