Warrior Princess

Frewin Jones
2009

BACK OF THE BOOK: 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.

THOUGHTS: I just want to warn you from the start that it turns out this book has a sequel. I don’t know that going into it and was a little disappointed when I found out. I was really hoping for just one book, but I seem to be drawn to series lately – even without my knowing it. Despite that, this book turned out to be pretty good. It was a little hard to get into right at the first, but it had one of my three things I like about a book – a main character dies right at the beginning. I know that sounds slightly morbid, but I think it means there is going to be action the whole way through. It was true with this book. Occasionally there were parts that didn’t seem quite right – like they needed just a little more information or background for it to work, but it wasn’t bad. I do believe I will read the second book when it comes out, but I won’t be holding my breath for it.

ENDING: As I’ve stated it has a sequel so the ending isn’t complete. That was annoying. It was only obvious that she would choose to go with Rhiannon of the Spring so I don’t know why she waited until the end to say yes. I am hoping Iwan (although he is a jerk) will be in the second book and that they will get together. I think he is going to turn out to be a nice guy.