Title: Princess Academy: Palace of Stone
Author: Shannon Hale
Series: Princess Academy, 2/3
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade, YA
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Note: This post reviews the second book of the Princess Academy series. You may like to read the first book in the series, Princess Academy, before reading this review.
Miri and her friends are eager to journey down the mountain and help the princess prepare for the upcoming wedding. As Britta’s ladies-in-waiting, Miri and her friends get to live at the palace in Asland – a far cry from the humble life they know in Mount Eskel. On top of that, Miri gets to study as a scholar, and is introduced to a world she never knew existed.
But there is trouble happening in Asland – and Miri finds herself right in the middle of it. During the rising revolution, Miri realizes that she supports the oppressed of Danland, but also her friend who is marrying into the royal family. To make matters more complicated, Miri is drawn to both Timon – a revolutionary enthusiast – and Peder – her childhood friend, and sweetheart. Will she be able to choose between two opposing sides, two loves, and also two homes?
I enjoyed this sequel to Princess Academy, but there are a couple reasons I gave it only 4 roses. 1: I’m really not a fan of love triangles, and this story had a pretty pointed one. 2: This book’s overall feel was so different from Hale’s first book, it almost didn’t feel like the same series. (To be fair, the settings play a huge part in this. The first takes place on an isolated mountain – which I loved – and the second takes place in a crowded city in the middle of a revolution.) But still, a very enjoyable read from Shannon Hale!
Click on the links below to get your copy of this book and the others in its series:
