The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson Book Review

// The Princess Spy //

By Melanie Dickerson

{Review By Bethany}

Publisher: Zondervan
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher through Book Look Bloggers
Publication Date: November 4th, 2014
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 0310730988

 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

// Book Synopsis //

Taken from Good Reads

"Margaretha has always been a romantic, and hopes her newest suitor, Lord Claybrook, is destined to be her one true love. But then an injured man is brought to Hagenheim Castle, claiming to be an English lord who was attacked by Claybrook and left for dead. And only Margaretha---one of the few who speaks his language---understands the wild story. Margaretha finds herself unable to pass Colin's message along to her father, the duke, and convinces herself 'Lord Colin' is just an addled stranger. Then Colin retrieves an heirloom she lost in a well, and asks her to spy on Claybrook as repayment. Margaretha knows she could never be a spy---not only is she unable to keep anything secret, she's sure Colin is completely wrong about her potential betrothed. Though when Margaretha overhears Claybrook one day, she discovers her romantic notions may have been clouding her judgment about not only Colin but Claybrook as well. It is up to her to save her father and Hagenheim itself from Claybrook's wicked plot."

 

// Bethany's Book Review // 

I've been a big fan on Melanie Dickerson's fairy tale re-tellings for some time now, and had eagerly been looking forward to the release of her newest release The Princess Spy. Dickerson's newest release doesn't disappoint, and weaves an exciting story sure to thrill and delight fans of heroic tales.

 

This exciting young adult novel is very engaging and flowed very well. There weren't any dry patches, and the story was consistent and adventurous. I quickly fell in love with the characters, and especially enjoyed learning more about Colin and his past, and how his story wove into Margaretha's. The story was well written and I loved how it ended! 

 

Margaretha's character was one I really admired. She was strong and courageous, and possessed a very mature and trustful quality that really shinned throughout the story. I especially loved how towards the end of the story, she really trusted the Lord with her current situation and didn't fret when most people would have. It was interested seeing her help Colin, and I loved the way that their relationship bettered the both of them; and how their working together brought such fruitful results. I loved how they worked together to benefit others and their relationship was an inspiring one. 

 

Since this book is a young adult one, it is very easy to read and not one that involves a lot of thinking or processing, making for a very fun, quick read. I loved the fairy-tale aspect, though I couldn't quite place the original story that was being re-told, if there was a specific one (though I'm sure I could have missed it due to my lack of fairy-tale knowledge). Even so, it was still a very interesting story that I thought to be very heartfelt and sweet.

 

I'd highly recommend this book to fans of fairy-tales. Melanie Dickerson's novels are very unique, even though they are based on well-known classics, and a real treat for young readers and adults alike! If you are looking for a fun weekend read full of heroic princes and strong heroines then look no further!

 

D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a complementary copy of The Princess Spy from the publisher, for the sole purpose of this review. I was not paid to write this review or promote this book, and all thoughts expressed are completely my own, honest and unbiased.