Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (review by Pen, age 13)

 

Princess Academy is an irresistible read perfect for girls in the age range of 8-13 years old. I was hooked from the first page, and could not put it down until I was finished reading. It has a hypnotizing storyline, along with the perfect blend of mystery, action, magic, and even a little bit of romance.

The story begins with a girl named Miri Larendaughter. She lives on an enormous mountain called Mount Eskel. The villagers there are famous for mining linder, a very valuable rock that the traders, upon their annual visits, swindle out of the villagers, who, none the wiser, are not aware of it's true value. They live a rugged life, everyone working in the quarry each day, with every bit of help they can get. Everyone, that is, except Miri. Miri is small, to say the least. Some of the less charitable villagers could even describe her as scrawny, or even puny. She believes that this is the reason that she is not allowed inside the quarry walls, and resents it. She is intensely curious about all activity in the quarry, including the mysterious way of communication called quarry-speech.  But she pretends to be content at home tending the goats on the steep mountainside. She loves everything about the mountain, and cannot believe why anyone would be disdainful about mountain life. And no one is, except for the Danlanders. These skeptical Danlanders, therefore, are horrified to find out that the king's astrologers determined Mount Eskel to be the residence of the prince's future bride. To the villagers' dismay, a herald is sent with a band of soldiers to retrieve all the young women from Mount Eskel. They, including Miri, are led away to a new life in a stone building, where they are to be "refined" and educated until they are proper ladies deserving of the prince of Danland. Under the authority of a harsh teacher, Olana, life is highly controlled. Miri feels like her spirit is being unfairly quelled. But, when a closet punishment opens up a new possibility for communication and a fresh mystery to unlock, life is looking up. Miri takes uncannily to reading, and spends her time studying and mulling over her discovery. And the prospect of her becoming "academy princess" is looking brighter. But there are still some obstacles to overcome, including an unwilling prince, a new friend being secretive, resentful village girls, and an unlikely encounter with several sworn enemies. Will Miri rise victorious and keep what is most important within sight?
Well, it's up to you to find out. Go to your local library or bookstore and pick up this book for consumption!
Good luck and happy reading!
Pen