The Princess Will Save You

Gr 8 Up–Raised by the Warrior King to be a powerful young woman, Princess Amarande is shattered by the sudden death of her father. Convinced that he was murdered, the last thing Ama cares about is choosing a marriage contract. Unfortunately, she must face the hard truth—to rule, she must marry. When one of her suitors tries to force her hand by kidnapping the stable boy she truly loves, Ama will cross harsh, lawless landscapes to retrieve him. Fans of The Princess Bride will recognize its influence here, but this sprawling fantasy stands easily on its own. Ama, a talented warrior raised on strategy, and Luca, a kindhearted stable boy full of devotion, make a romance worth rooting for. Ama, in particular, feels real and immediate. At 16 she is a gifted swordswoman, but she struggles with the sudden exit from her protective royal surroundings. The abundance of murky politics and plot hooks left dangling for future volumes may put off some readers, but the constant action of Ama’s journey keeps things moving at an engaging pace. The mystery of Ama’s mother, the Runaway Queen, and a massive twist ending will keep interest high for the sequel.