Blogger Book Review: A True Princess by Diane Zahler

Good morning, inkpoppers! On this sleepy spring morning we bring you a review of Diane Zahler’s A True Princess from Michelle of Galleysmith.

Of her blog Galleysmith Michelle says, “I’ve created this blog with the idea in mind that it will become a community, one where we can all feel free to express our opinions freely and engage in conversation.” To read more reviews from Michelle, stop by Galleysmith; for now, escape into the world of A True Princess.

“The perfect entry for middle-schoolers into the realm of fantasy literature, ‘A True Princess’ was a fun and fantastical romp through the forests and kingdoms skirting a magical elfin land. A fairytale re-telling of ‘The Princess and the Pea’, Zahler amps the action up with an empowered teenage girl on a magical road trip where she realizes her first true love and discovers that she may be more than she seems.

“In Lilia, girls have a strong role model from which to learn the values of loyalty and bravery. As a young sheperdess and maid she resigns herself daily to the loss of her true family with dignity. Though seemingly enslaved by a wicked step-mothers she endures her lowly station and finds happiness in the cherishing of the bond she’s built with her adoptive parent’s children. Sadly, one day, in an effort to avoid being sold into a loveless marriage and servitude she runs away in the middle of the night. Hoping to find her real parents, or at least make her own way in the world, she sets off towards kingdoms unknown.

“Not alone for long she is quickly joined by her two siblings Kai and Karina, both of whom want to get away from the wicked step-mother as well. Their journey is perilous and fraught with danger at every turn. There are sword-fights and scary passages through mystical woods filled with vicious creatures. Nevermind the difficulty of navigating the social and class structures that come along with being in the presence of royalty.

“Zahler has done a fantastic job with the characters in ‘A True Princess’. Lilia is a straightforward and honest girl who is looking for nothing more than the opportunity to live the life she chooses. Moreover she’s a dedicated and supportive friend to her siblings putting their happiness and safety before her own on more occasions than not. Despite being unsure of the outcomes she has no difficulty putting herself in danger to ensure the safety and security of the people she loves. I found the secondary characters were well fleshed out as well. I was happy with the focus paid on Kai and Karina as well as the two families from which Lilia came. Their presence and actions reinforced Lilia’s story in the perfect way. Even though there wasn’t a great deal of time spent in the presence of the Elf King himself he provided a constant air of mystery and foreboding needed to keep the tale going.

“Zahler has also crafted a wonderful plot. Action packed from the start there was very little room for boredom. At no time did I feel like I was looking for more out of the story. I can see where children looking for a fun fantasy tale would embrace and read through this book in one sitting. It was focused enough to keep attention but had enough twists and turns to excite and enthrall. A fast and entertaining read ‘A True Princess’ is a good book for lovers of fairytales with a twist.”

Thank you to Michelle of Galleysmith for stopping by to discuss A True Princess with us.

Over to you…have you read A True Princess? If so, what did you think of it? If not, will you be picking this book up during your next trip to the bookstore and/or library?

Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Erika (aka inkpoperika)