A review by kailey_luminouslibro
Quest of the Dragon's Princess by Lee Watts Th.D.

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


Princess Samantha is searching for true love, and she seems to have found it with Prince David, until he humiliates her at the grand ball. The heartbroken princess decides to take matters into her own hands, and she sets off on a quest through a magic portal to find true love, expecting that somehow she will find her way back to Prince David. When Prince David discovers that she is gone, he sends his best knight, Sir Zachary, to bring her back. But he's not the only one searching for the missing princess. The royal family has their own dragon, Hubert Firetongue the Incomparable. The dragon teams up with Sir Zachary and they follow Samantha through the magic portal. But when they arrive on the other side of the portal, she is nowhere to be seen. Unbeknownst to any of them, they are all being pursued by a murderous dark knight.

This fairytale is full of humor and adventure and a delightful romance! It reminds me of the Princess Bride with lots of swashbuckling adventure and sword fights and daring heroes. They have to fight off ogres, escape from a dungeon, and free innocent creatures from the evil rule of a despotic baron. They encounter magical unicorns, kind giants, annoying gnomes, and one very slippery enchantress. And best of all, it is hilarious from start to finish! I was literally giggling like a madwoman through most of the story.

I loved the sweet slow-burn romance, especially because it's very clean and their romance is based on more than just physical attraction. It was really lovely to see these two characters gradually beginning to respect and care for each other in deeply meaningful ways. Every romantic moment between them is just so adorable and sweet, but you also get the sense that their relationship is built on something lasting.

Princess Samantha and Sir Zachary both have really excellent character development as they go through their adventures and it teaches them humility and gives them a perspective beyond their own previously narrow experiences. I completely fell in love with Sir Zachary, and I really related to Princess Samantha. They both have very complex personalities, and it was wonderful going on this inward journey of self-discovery with them.

I love all the funny references to other fairy tales, movies, and famous quotes. Princess Samantha complains that Snow already found her Prince Charming, and that other princess was asleep for years and found someone, so why can't Samantha find her true love? During their quest, the group visit a town that they describe as a "hive of scum and villainy". There are tons of witty quips in the dialogue that made me laugh.

I cried at the beautiful ending, because there is this heartwarming family reunion, and it was just so touching to see the parents and children all reunited. I love stories about family togetherness and this poor family had been through such difficult struggles to find each other again. Beautiful!

The best part of this book is the Christian themes that are woven through the story. The characters explore the meaning of self-sacrifice, gratitude, and personal joy. They discover that true love encompasses much more than just romantic love, but that it also includes family love. There are many instances throughout the story of different father figures who sacrifice for their children, just as God sacrificed his Son for us.

Since it is a fairy tale, the knight is obsessed with honor and chivalry, and the other characters sort of roll their eyes at this in the beginning. However, as they begin to see how Sir Zachary actually lives out his moral code and makes honorable decisions no matter the cost to himself, they begin to respect the beliefs and values that he lives to uphold. It's a very powerful and inspiring message!

I love this book so much! I enjoyed it just as much rereading it for the second time.