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ivygracewild's review against another edition
4.0
This book was not at all what I expected.
I enjoyed it a lot. It has a strong main character, an interesting plot, and a unique setting. If you are on the fence about this one, I say go for it. Oh, throw in easy to read, too!
I enjoyed it a lot. It has a strong main character, an interesting plot, and a unique setting. If you are on the fence about this one, I say go for it. Oh, throw in easy to read, too!
marissa_atherton's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this thoroughly and it is a quick, fun read. Reminds me in feel of Ella Enchanted a bit.
A coming of age story of sorts for Miri, age 14 (though notably small for her age). I liked the fantasy element with quarry-speech (a particular way to “speak” with thoughts), the frenemy dynamics among the girls learning in the academy (all hoping to be chosen princess at its close), and the little bit of romance (which I thought was done perfectly given their ages).
A coming of age story of sorts for Miri, age 14 (though notably small for her age). I liked the fantasy element with quarry-speech (a particular way to “speak” with thoughts), the frenemy dynamics among the girls learning in the academy (all hoping to be chosen princess at its close), and the little bit of romance (which I thought was done perfectly given their ages).
leaballerina's review against another edition
5.0
MY FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME. Basically. So good. Makes me cry every time.
thorby's review against another edition
3.0
This book was pretty fun, read it in one sitting. I just wish the ending wasn’t as... perfect (?) as it was. I wished to see more chemistry and the dynamic between Britta and the Prince without it have being shoehorned in the last couple pages. As it stands, Miri had way more interesting dynamic with the Prince than Britta! Overall, I really enjoyed all the girls who were studying to become princesses and it was overall a sweet story. I also really enjoyed the message of the value of education.
kathrynnemo's review against another edition
5.0
A fun, light, feel-good book. Not deep or complex, but perfect sick-day reading.
brendawww's review against another edition
Oh Princess Academy, I had you all wrong. My apologies. I lumped you in with the other normal, everyday girl magically turns into a princess type of books. Let's be honest, those books aren't really my thing. You know how Alanna of Tortall knew she didn't want to be queen and ditched Jonathan after he called her unwomanly? I've always been more of an Alanna fan. Turns out, this Miri and Alanna would probably get along. This is definitely a book for Tamora Pierce readers - although I'm probably dating myself and I'm not sure how many of those exist under the age of 18 anymore.
Back to Princess Academy, Miri is a damn good heroine. This a really well crafted story and even rarer, a book I can see adults approving of (see Newbery honor medal) and kids actually enjoying. Everyone wins!
As a side note, I think I've been reading too much dystopian YA because I was totally sure this book was going to take a Hunger Games twist and Mt. Eskel would revolt against the monarchy. They did in their own way, but not in the District 13 type of way I was expecting.
Back to Princess Academy, Miri is a damn good heroine. This a really well crafted story and even rarer, a book I can see adults approving of (see Newbery honor medal) and kids actually enjoying. Everyone wins!
As a side note, I think I've been reading too much dystopian YA because I was totally sure this book was going to take a Hunger Games twist and Mt. Eskel would revolt against the monarchy. They did in their own way, but not in the District 13 type of way I was expecting.
cgdugger's review against another edition
5.0
Miri lives on Mount Eskel with he sister and father who work in the quarry mining a special stone called linder. One day a message comes from the king telling the village that the girls must go to an academy to practice skills. After the academy the prince is to come and choose a wife. While at the academy Miri learns how to save her family from financial hardship and learns how to speak the the linder without words. When the princess is chosen all of the girls have learned so much about life beyond Eskel that they may not be content to stay forever.
I really enjoyed this book. It ended differently than I imagined it would. Unlike a typical fairy tale, the girl doesn't win the Prince's affections. It is a good book for empowering women and pushing for individuals thinking and changing their lives.
I really enjoyed this book. It ended differently than I imagined it would. Unlike a typical fairy tale, the girl doesn't win the Prince's affections. It is a good book for empowering women and pushing for individuals thinking and changing their lives.
annajagoda's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I loved this book as a child; as an adult it doesn't quite hit the same but I still appreciate it. I love that the focus is girlhood and sisterhood and that all the girls are strong quarry-workers. I think the female representation in this is excellent and beneficial for any children reading it. For adult's it can get a little dull since we are not the target audience but honestly it's still pretty fun to read.
strawberrypeachy's review against another edition
4.0
I think I was expecting more, but I don't know what.
It's a good book. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, the story, but It feels like something is missing that could have made it a five star book and a favorite.
I think near the end, when was a major tone shift that didn't exactly match with the rest of the story. Those chapters kinda of feel out of place with the rest of the book, I almost thought it was a dream at first, and after that problem is resolved the tone goes back to what it was before.
I liked the book, I just didn't love it.
It's a good book. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, the story, but It feels like something is missing that could have made it a five star book and a favorite.
I think near the end, when
Spoiler
The Bandits hold the girls hostageI liked the book, I just didn't love it.