A colored pencil illustration opens each chapter of this spirited adventure, but there’s otherwise scant description of the physical landscape of Latavia or anywhere else that the heroes journey, which limits the opportunity for immersion in the world. Readers also get few glimpses into the minds and hearts of the characters, so their actions tend to feel reactionary or abrupt, since there’s little indication of how or why they make the choices they do. Upsetting events like the loss of a horse to a monstrous snake pass with little attention paid to the emotional impact on the young protagonists.
While the novel at times is thinly developed, Jerome still executes a compelling quest narrative, complete with trolls, knights, royal intrigue, and fantastical surprises like the mountain that literally needs to eat. The dangers alternate between comic and just scary enough. Most importantly, like all the best quests, Princess Kira’s ultimately becomes a journey of self discovery, despite the novel’s limited interiority. Even if they’re not royalty themselves, young readers will likely enjoy this narrative of how a young princess must find her true strength. Also memorable: the honest (if sometimes a touch harsh) portrayal of sibling dynamics. Fast-paced and full of action,and boasting a feisty lead, Princess Quest sneaks in a bit of heart along the way.
Takeaway: Young fantasy readers will enjoy this fast-paced quest and its strong-willed and feisty main character.
Great for fans of: Shannon and Dean Hale’s The Princess in Black, Ursula Vernon’s Hamster Princess series, Cornelia Funke’s The Princess Knight
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: B
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A-