(synopsis from Fantastic Fiction)
Princess Aurelia is next in line to rule the kingdom of Tyralt, but she would rather be one of the common folk, free to learn and roam and . . . not marry the next tyrannical prince that comes courting. Naturally, the king wants Aurelia to marry for political power. Aurelia wants to marry for love. And someone in the kingdom wants her . . . dead. Assigned to investigate and protect Aurelia is Robert, the son of the king's former royal spy and one of Aurelia's oldest friends. As Aurelia and Robert slowly uncover clues as to who is threatening her, their friendship turns to romance. With everything possible on the line - her life, her kingdom, her heart - Aurelia is forced to take matters into her own hands, no matter the cost.
my thoughts:
Aurelia wasn't what i'd expected from Ms. Osterlund. i'd read Academy 7, and the two books are completely different!
pros:
Aurelia was historical fiction and mystery. i like both of those genres.
the ending was a surprise.
i liked Aurelia and the other MC, Robert.
cons:
Aurelia was definitely lacking the originality that defined Academy 7! Academy 7 was an ingenious blend of scifi/fantasy that i couldn't put down...Aurelia was pretty conventional. politics, a non-descript kingdom, and rather flat characters weren't what i was expecting after reading Academy 7.
as far as subplots go, there wasn't much to speak of. it was a fairly simple, straightforward story.
bottom line:
Aurelia was a good debut, but my experience was greatly overshadowed by how much better i know Ms. Osterlund can write. however, i am looking forward to the sequel, Exile, now that Ms. Osterlund has some additional experience writing.
my rating: 3.8
I might have to pass this one up. I'm big on originality, or if it isn't it must blow me away. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteyeah, i have to admit, i wasn't really impressed by Aurelia, but i really enjoyed Academy 7. you might want to give that one a try...
ReplyDeleteNever even heard of this author. I'll have to check out academy seven though.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this, but I want to. I've heard mixed reviews about it, though.
ReplyDeleteMelissa--i'm planning on re-reading that one myself sometime soon...
ReplyDeleteJulie--that's pretty much how i felt before reading Aurelia, and i'm not sorry i did! it just wasn't quite what i'd hoped for.