Warrior Princess by Frewin Jones
Release Date: January 27, 2009
Publisher: Harper Teen
Age Group: Young Adult, ages 12 and up
Pages: 352
It takes just a moment for fifteen-year-old Branwen's life to change forever. In the blink of an eye the Saxons attack and her brother is killed. Almost as quickly, she is sent away from her home to a neighboring stronghold where she'll be safe from harm. Now Branwen lives as a princess should—surrounded by exquisite things and lavish quarters. But deep down remains the soul of a warrior.
Just when Branwen is sure she has been pushed to her limits, a chance encounter with a mystical woman in white forces her to question everything—and everyone—around her. With no time to lose, Branwen must make a choice: continue in the path her parents intended for her . . . or step into the role of true Warrior Princess.
I’m a fan of Jones’s Faerie Path books, so when I heard he had a new series coming out, I was very excited. Jones had a very descriptive writing style yet doesn’t exhaust the reader in mundane details. Warrior Princess was no exception.
I really enjoyed Branwen’s story, and while at times I had problems with the character herself, she redeemed herself many times over. One of those redeeming moments being Branwen’s change from the awkwardness of childhood to a prominent and determined young woman.
I think if I had to label this novel I’d call it a historical fantasy. I appreciated the historically accurate details that were depicted throughout the novel. I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a series, because the ending leaves many questions unanswered.
Overall, a entertaining, faced-paced read that is sure to conquer fans of fantasy and historical fiction!