Book Review: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale

Title: Palace of Stone 
Author: Shannon Hale
Series: Princess Academy #2
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Released: August 21, 2012
Website: http://www.squeetus.com/

Book Summary:


Coming down from the mountain to a new life in the city is a thrill to Miri. She and her princess academy friends have been brought to Asland to help the future princess Britta prepare for her wedding.There, Miri also has a chance to attend school-at the Queen's Castle. But as Miri befriends students who seem sophisticated and exciting she also learns that they have some frightening plans. Torn between loyalty to the princess and her new friends' ideas, between an old love and a new crush, and between her small mountain home and the bustling city, Miri looks to find her own way in this new place.
Picking up where "Princess Academy" left off, and celebrating the joys of friendship, romance and the fate of fairy tale kingdoms, this new book delivers the completely delightful new story that fans have been waiting for.

Awesome middle grade read!  The Princess Academy was a complete stand alone so I was surprised to learn there was going to be a sequel. Since it had been over 3 years since I read the first book I quickly skim read the first book before starting this one.  Good choice since I had forgotten quite a bit of the story line.

I really enjoyed reading this sequel.  Shannon Hale manage to recapture the charm of the characters from the first book.  Although the characters are old enough to marry this one had much more of a middle grade/tween feel to it.  I would have loved to have a little more romance especially from Peder.  Palace of Stone has an innocent naive squeaky clean feel to it making it appropriate for anyone.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Squeaky Clean

Source: Netgalley & Audible.com

Genre/Reading Level: Fantasy appropriate for ages 9 or 10+, crossover appeal for older readers




Finished February 5, 2013