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The Princess Trials #2
The Princess Games
The stakes are higher and the competition more brutal in round two of the Princess Trials. Zea’s relationship with Prince Kevon intensifies, and she must choose between the prince and the rebel who holds her heart.
When her enemies uncover a secret that drives a rift between Zea and Prince Kevon, she’s not only battling for survival but facing execution.
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and The Selection, this exciting tale of courage, intrigue, and betrayal will have you turning pages.
When her enemies uncover a secret that drives a rift between Zea and Prince Kevon, she’s not only battling for survival but facing execution.
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and The Selection, this exciting tale of courage, intrigue, and betrayal will have you turning pages.
516 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 467 reviews
December 28, 2020
There is TOO MUCH happening in this book. Way too much. It's like one big adrenaline-fed battle, with everybody wanting to kill Zea-Mays Calico and nobody ever catches a break (unless they're hit by a tranquilizer dart or are otherwise incapacitated/unconscious). I feel like the characters flattened out a lot in this one, and I still don't entirely understand the queen's motivations for doing what she does, and I just ended it feeling exhausted. Hopefully book 3 is redemptive?
September 14, 2020
Holy Cannoli!
I have been waiting for this book to come out after devouring the first book. It's safe to say that I was not disappointed one freaking bit. Of course the whole repetition that everyone wants Zea dead for some unknown godly reason was just weird. I honestly don't see why it's a big deal that the prince marries her? So what? She's a peasant. Wasn't Cinderella? She made the kingdom a better place so maybe Zea will do the same.
So, yeah, I enjoyed all the romantic crap and the 'I love you's' in this book. They just made my heart pitter patter because hot damn - the prince needed some love. Between the robot/psycho queen and the king who is never there, Kevon literally has no one. Until Zea comes into his life and kind of opens his eyes.
I feel like this book had so many twists and turns. Even if some were a bit predictable, I just ate it all up. Not sure what the next book will bring me and I'm all kinds of sad that I have to wait for it come out. Ugh, waiting for next year? I'm dying inside already.
I have been waiting for this book to come out after devouring the first book. It's safe to say that I was not disappointed one freaking bit. Of course the whole repetition that everyone wants Zea dead for some unknown godly reason was just weird. I honestly don't see why it's a big deal that the prince marries her? So what? She's a peasant. Wasn't Cinderella? She made the kingdom a better place so maybe Zea will do the same.
So, yeah, I enjoyed all the romantic crap and the 'I love you's' in this book. They just made my heart pitter patter because hot damn - the prince needed some love. Between the robot/psycho queen and the king who is never there, Kevon literally has no one. Until Zea comes into his life and kind of opens his eyes.
I feel like this book had so many twists and turns. Even if some were a bit predictable, I just ate it all up. Not sure what the next book will bring me and I'm all kinds of sad that I have to wait for it come out. Ugh, waiting for next year? I'm dying inside already.
August 10, 2020
The Breakdown:
Cover Art: 10/10
Initial Grab: 10/10
Setting: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Readability Factor: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Likely to Recommend: 10/10
Hello Fellow Book Enthusiasts,
I received a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I am blown away yet again! I started this book and read it in one sitting and I was word-drunk on this riveting sequel. This book is so incredible and loveable and just mind-blowingly amazing and I simply can't praise this book or the last enough. This is simply a must-have for any Young Adult or Dystopian fan! This book was emotional for me and that ending just, my heart is breaking, and I simply can't wait to read the next one. I know that at times, readers like to skip the first book and will read on to later in the series and I would like to preface that you will need to read The Princess Trials to fully enjoy and follow this story, but it is well worth every fast-paced moment.
Initial Grab: It's marketed as perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and The Selection, and I agree! If you loved them, you are for sure going to love this. This book is unique enough to stand apart on its own and holds its own among some of the best dystopian/YA I have ever read! This is definitely a book that focuses on courage and betrayal and it's just so beautifully written!
Setting: The Kingdom of Phangloria is just so enriching to read about. It is unique and lovely and complex and it pulls you right into everything. The political intrigue that is captivated in this world is just so mesmerizing.
Characters: Zea is so incredibly brave and conflicted. You get so much more from so many characters in the sequel and I found myself really pulling for Zea and understanding her character in a way that really hits home. I feel her pain as sharply as I would my own. My heart aches for Zea and the circumstances surrounding this novel. I will be impatiently awaiting the next book which to my knowledge should be the final in the trilogy which will be its own heartbreak because I have really grown attached to the characters and their stories.
Content: I can't stress enough that the imagery in the novels are so breathtakingly vivid, it plays like a movie in your head. You don't even realize how much time has past when you read it. I honestly love the way it picks up right where it leaves off and this book continues to advance the trilogy in a way that builds from the last. There's no clear resolution and it leaves you wanting to read the next immediately! This book is a continuation of Zea's character arc and it makes her that much more personable to the reader, despite the heartbreak that will ensue when you read it, and in my honest opinion, it's worth it.
Readability Factor: I am so captivated by this series and I honestly believe that these books are going to be huge! I am always hesitant to praise a book so highly, but The Princess Trials and The Princess Games are just so beautifully written, I feel like I cannot give either book enough praise. The story unveiling along the way will be one that stays with you for a lifetime. I would recommend this to adults and teenagers alike. I am so honored to be able to review such a beautiful literary journey and I cannot wait to see a much-anticipated conclusion to this trilogy I will be so upset to see end.
Overall: If you are looking for a great book you can't put down, this is it! You are in luck too, because you can read The Princess Trials and The Princess Games back to back, and I can tell you that you will be so enchanted, you will want to read them at once! I will continue to HIGHLY praise both books and recommend them to anyone and everyone that will listen! You are now able to order The Princess Trials either the paperback or ebook, and this book very soon! The Princess Crown is available for pre-order at this time as well! I sincerely cannot wait to read the last book! You will most definitely not regret reading this unforgettable story!
Cover Art: 10/10
Initial Grab: 10/10
Setting: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Readability Factor: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Likely to Recommend: 10/10
Hello Fellow Book Enthusiasts,
I received a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I am blown away yet again! I started this book and read it in one sitting and I was word-drunk on this riveting sequel. This book is so incredible and loveable and just mind-blowingly amazing and I simply can't praise this book or the last enough. This is simply a must-have for any Young Adult or Dystopian fan! This book was emotional for me and that ending just, my heart is breaking, and I simply can't wait to read the next one. I know that at times, readers like to skip the first book and will read on to later in the series and I would like to preface that you will need to read The Princess Trials to fully enjoy and follow this story, but it is well worth every fast-paced moment.
Initial Grab: It's marketed as perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and The Selection, and I agree! If you loved them, you are for sure going to love this. This book is unique enough to stand apart on its own and holds its own among some of the best dystopian/YA I have ever read! This is definitely a book that focuses on courage and betrayal and it's just so beautifully written!
Setting: The Kingdom of Phangloria is just so enriching to read about. It is unique and lovely and complex and it pulls you right into everything. The political intrigue that is captivated in this world is just so mesmerizing.
Characters: Zea is so incredibly brave and conflicted. You get so much more from so many characters in the sequel and I found myself really pulling for Zea and understanding her character in a way that really hits home. I feel her pain as sharply as I would my own. My heart aches for Zea and the circumstances surrounding this novel. I will be impatiently awaiting the next book which to my knowledge should be the final in the trilogy which will be its own heartbreak because I have really grown attached to the characters and their stories.
Content: I can't stress enough that the imagery in the novels are so breathtakingly vivid, it plays like a movie in your head. You don't even realize how much time has past when you read it. I honestly love the way it picks up right where it leaves off and this book continues to advance the trilogy in a way that builds from the last. There's no clear resolution and it leaves you wanting to read the next immediately! This book is a continuation of Zea's character arc and it makes her that much more personable to the reader, despite the heartbreak that will ensue when you read it, and in my honest opinion, it's worth it.
Readability Factor: I am so captivated by this series and I honestly believe that these books are going to be huge! I am always hesitant to praise a book so highly, but The Princess Trials and The Princess Games are just so beautifully written, I feel like I cannot give either book enough praise. The story unveiling along the way will be one that stays with you for a lifetime. I would recommend this to adults and teenagers alike. I am so honored to be able to review such a beautiful literary journey and I cannot wait to see a much-anticipated conclusion to this trilogy I will be so upset to see end.
Overall: If you are looking for a great book you can't put down, this is it! You are in luck too, because you can read The Princess Trials and The Princess Games back to back, and I can tell you that you will be so enchanted, you will want to read them at once! I will continue to HIGHLY praise both books and recommend them to anyone and everyone that will listen! You are now able to order The Princess Trials either the paperback or ebook, and this book very soon! The Princess Crown is available for pre-order at this time as well! I sincerely cannot wait to read the last book! You will most definitely not regret reading this unforgettable story!
February 19, 2021
Phew, that was a lot. A lot I enjoyed though but it was a lot. I believe the author should've cut some pieces because one plot twist leads to another and way too much is happening. I adored it otherwise, I love Zea and have even begun to fall in love with Kevon.
Plot
So we continue on our journey with Zea at the princess trials. Zea has made a powerful enemy in the Queen who will stop at nothing to rid herself of the Harvester girl who has captured Kevon's heart. But, Zea proves to be more resilient than anyone including Zea herself would've thought. While the stakes get higher and higher, the love between Kevon and Zea grows. However, their enemies are more powerful and crueler than they could've imagined.
Writing style
Cordelia's books are such easy reads. I never once get tired reading them. They are written so well and at the same time they are so exciting that I can hardly put them down to do anything else. Young adults will be able to read these books with ease because there is such a nice flow to the plot, easy and understandable vocabulary is used and overall very fluent writing.
Characters
I have fallen in love with Zea. She is just such a little gem. Strong willed yet determined, flawed yet she has such great character development. Her resilience, her loyalty. She never gets cocky even if she is clever. I just love her. I was apprehensive about prince Kevon, he seemed like such a vanilla table cloth in the first book but he too has had some great character development and has shown such growth. I love the addition of some new characters but what I find most compelling is how the author dares to make some of her characters cruel and evil. Truly evil. The Queen is such a monster, one couldn't imagine it was possible to be so villainous.
Overall
I enjoyed this book, perhaps more than I should've. It's an easy and very entertaining read but I do feel the author should've edited this book and left out a few things. Sometimes it feels as if every page contains an action packed scene or a plot twists and it becomes too much to comprehend and handle.
Plot
So we continue on our journey with Zea at the princess trials. Zea has made a powerful enemy in the Queen who will stop at nothing to rid herself of the Harvester girl who has captured Kevon's heart. But, Zea proves to be more resilient than anyone including Zea herself would've thought. While the stakes get higher and higher, the love between Kevon and Zea grows. However, their enemies are more powerful and crueler than they could've imagined.
Writing style
Cordelia's books are such easy reads. I never once get tired reading them. They are written so well and at the same time they are so exciting that I can hardly put them down to do anything else. Young adults will be able to read these books with ease because there is such a nice flow to the plot, easy and understandable vocabulary is used and overall very fluent writing.
Characters
I have fallen in love with Zea. She is just such a little gem. Strong willed yet determined, flawed yet she has such great character development. Her resilience, her loyalty. She never gets cocky even if she is clever. I just love her. I was apprehensive about prince Kevon, he seemed like such a vanilla table cloth in the first book but he too has had some great character development and has shown such growth. I love the addition of some new characters but what I find most compelling is how the author dares to make some of her characters cruel and evil. Truly evil. The Queen is such a monster, one couldn't imagine it was possible to be so villainous.
Overall
I enjoyed this book, perhaps more than I should've. It's an easy and very entertaining read but I do feel the author should've edited this book and left out a few things. Sometimes it feels as if every page contains an action packed scene or a plot twists and it becomes too much to comprehend and handle.
January 8, 2021
I.want.to.slam.my.head.into.a.brick.wall.
Welcome Back everyone to the Quarter Quell- sorry, the Elite round, no no, sorry, the rose ceremony-
URGH.
You know, dear reader, what makes a book so frustrating? A solid, 8/10 opening few chapters. But I can only honestly tell you that because I don't remember it in detail BECAUSE of how BORING the rest of the novel is. I did go back and skim chapters because i COULD NOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME remember details of this, inane insanity.
Let's catch up with our cast and see how they've changed from the end of book one shall we? Spoilers btw's
Zea mays calico- oh wait we're picking up in the middle of how the last book ended? Oh. Alright brave choice but whatever surely the author will have Zea give us the importance of what's happening! Since after all this is the second book and it was released...wait four months after the first?
(I hope everyone sees what I'm getting at. Hint: I don't think the first two books were intended to be split, and I don't think this is a final draft series at all)
Anyways, back to the plot.
Welcome Back everyone to the Quarter Quell- sorry, the Elite round, no no, sorry, the rose ceremony-
URGH.
You know, dear reader, what makes a book so frustrating? A solid, 8/10 opening few chapters. But I can only honestly tell you that because I don't remember it in detail BECAUSE of how BORING the rest of the novel is. I did go back and skim chapters because i COULD NOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME remember details of this, inane insanity.
Let's catch up with our cast and see how they've changed from the end of book one shall we? Spoilers btw's
Zea mays calico- oh wait we're picking up in the middle of how the last book ended? Oh. Alright brave choice but whatever surely the author will have Zea give us the importance of what's happening! Since after all this is the second book and it was released...wait four months after the first?
(I hope everyone sees what I'm getting at. Hint: I don't think the first two books were intended to be split, and I don't think this is a final draft series at all)
Anyways, back to the plot.
December 26, 2020
This book is BONKERS. I actually wish I understood the world-building a little better because certain plot twists and turns would make more sense and carry more stakes that way. Instead, as I'm reading, I can tell that things ARE intense but not exactly why, or what the consequences are if the heroine fails. It's so close, too! I am so close to figuring out people's wider motivations here, instead of just their proximate ones ("I would like to avoid being killed by that person right there, right now")!
But even read in a harried, messy way, there's enough going on here (probably too much, to be honest) to keep you entertained. It's like those Spanish period dramas on Netflix where episode 1 is about a nice country boy going to visit his sister at the hotel where she works and by episode 5, you're yelling at the screen, "just tell him about the secret twin so he can burn Diego's will and be free of the arranged marriage to the marquesa!!!!!"
Things escalate quickly in this book! And it might be nice to understand the reasons why a little better. But it's not essential.
But even read in a harried, messy way, there's enough going on here (probably too much, to be honest) to keep you entertained. It's like those Spanish period dramas on Netflix where episode 1 is about a nice country boy going to visit his sister at the hotel where she works and by episode 5, you're yelling at the screen, "just tell him about the secret twin so he can burn Diego's will and be free of the arranged marriage to the marquesa!!!!!"
Things escalate quickly in this book! And it might be nice to understand the reasons why a little better. But it's not essential.
November 5, 2021
I have to say the sequel is also not that great.
If you can suspend all logic and belief that anyone is sane or nice, then you’ll find an entertaining story in this one.
Too much packed in at one time its almost unbelievable.
It was a fast pace one, which kept my interest and a couple of twist and turns and ends with a bang which I liked.
If you can suspend all logic and belief that anyone is sane or nice, then you’ll find an entertaining story in this one.
Too much packed in at one time its almost unbelievable.
It was a fast pace one, which kept my interest and a couple of twist and turns and ends with a bang which I liked.
August 17, 2020
Holy crap. That was intense. The universe has it out for Prince Kevon and Zea. I mean, torturing her own son that way? She’s insane and I can’t wait to see her gone. Can it be December yet? I’m ready for the third book!
January 28, 2021
I have been waiting for this book to come out after devouring the first book. I feel like this book had so many twists and turns? I’m dying inside already.
I really enjoyed this book, even with its crazy turns and events, and can’t wait to read the third.
The girl finally gets her head on straight about her lifelong goals and yet her life is consistently threatened, as well as her family’s.
Holy crap. That was intense. The universe has it out for Prince Kevon and Zea. I mean, torturing her own son that way? She’s insane and I can’t wait to see her gone.
Zea has got it rough in this book, just like the first! The girl finally gets her head on straight about her lifelong goals and yet her life is consistently threatened, as well as her family’s.
It’s fast-paced and action-packed with romance and more betrayals and twists and turns you will not see coming and will have you on the edge.
I really enjoyed this book, even with its crazy turns and events, and can’t wait to read the third.
The girl finally gets her head on straight about her lifelong goals and yet her life is consistently threatened, as well as her family’s.
Holy crap. That was intense. The universe has it out for Prince Kevon and Zea. I mean, torturing her own son that way? She’s insane and I can’t wait to see her gone.
Zea has got it rough in this book, just like the first! The girl finally gets her head on straight about her lifelong goals and yet her life is consistently threatened, as well as her family’s.
It’s fast-paced and action-packed with romance and more betrayals and twists and turns you will not see coming and will have you on the edge.
November 13, 2020
Well Eff me for not realizing book 3 wasn't out yet. Talk about annoying.
Above statement did not influence my rating at all. This book was just tired. So many moment of disbelief. SO many moments of - but why? I liked the first book and a lot of that had to do with Berta. MAN, what a breath of fresh air. She played the game to survive and could care less about anyone. She wasn't vindictive or taunting - she just wanted to live and if she saw that certain people would make her chances higher, she took them. I could have a book about her instead of main character whats her name.
Above statement did not influence my rating at all. This book was just tired. So many moment of disbelief. SO many moments of - but why? I liked the first book and a lot of that had to do with Berta. MAN, what a breath of fresh air. She played the game to survive and could care less about anyone. She wasn't vindictive or taunting - she just wanted to live and if she saw that certain people would make her chances higher, she took them. I could have a book about her instead of main character whats her name.
August 26, 2022
nie sądziłam, że końcówka tak pociągnie ocenę całej serii, a co dopiero tego tomu.
Ostatnie kilkadziesiąt stron zmiotło mnie z planszy. Zea przestaje być tak irytująca, a Kevon z Garettem teraz naprawdę lubię, czego nie mogę powiedzieć o Ryce.
Ostatnie kilkadziesiąt stron zmiotło mnie z planszy. Zea przestaje być tak irytująca, a Kevon z Garettem teraz naprawdę lubię, czego nie mogę powiedzieć o Ryce.
February 21, 2021
Plot twists for the sake of shock value continue
Evil characters are doing evil things because the characters are evil. Did I tell you the characters are evil? Oh, yes, they’re. No other character traits for them
Evil characters are doing evil things because the characters are evil. Did I tell you the characters are evil? Oh, yes, they’re. No other character traits for them
September 11, 2021
2.75 ⭐️ This book was much better than the first one, I was actually invested. I will say that it felt repetitive and the ending of the book really mirrored the Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which I feel made the entire thing more predictable.
August 1, 2021
Page turner, but it needs to come to and end. For my sanity.
May 26, 2022
I ate up the first book like crazy. It had been a while since I had a book keep me on the edge. Now this book on the other hand… I’m not saying it’s bad, but it’s not as good as the first book. At times it was slow and getting towards the end of the book it seemed it was wrapping up, but then something happens.
Just when I thought my troubles were over, just when I thought I could return to Rugosa to my anonymous life as a Harvester apprentice, Queen Damascena brings me back into the Princess Trials.
Zea was happy at the end of the first book. She was about to go home and see the boy she loved. But the Queen ruined that by inviting her to stay in the game. Zea has no idea who to trust. She just wants to go home. But the Queen won’t allow it. Now Zea just has to survive the game.
In the beginning, a lot more action took place and I was on the edge of my seat. But then some stuff popped up and everything slowed down to a lull. About 75% through something happens and it helped the story a bit.
I’m hoping the next book is more like the first book.
Just when I thought my troubles were over, just when I thought I could return to Rugosa to my anonymous life as a Harvester apprentice, Queen Damascena brings me back into the Princess Trials.
Zea was happy at the end of the first book. She was about to go home and see the boy she loved. But the Queen ruined that by inviting her to stay in the game. Zea has no idea who to trust. She just wants to go home. But the Queen won’t allow it. Now Zea just has to survive the game.
In the beginning, a lot more action took place and I was on the edge of my seat. But then some stuff popped up and everything slowed down to a lull. About 75% through something happens and it helped the story a bit.
I’m hoping the next book is more like the first book.
November 10, 2020
Far fetched, nonsensical drivel
I found myself skipping through large parts of this book because I was bored.
This whole concept is just so ridiculous and so poorly executed that the whole thing is so far fetched and not in a way that is even close to believable. The characters are all so poorly written and say and act in a way that is completely unbelievable and random. The ‘evil queen’ is little more than a caricature. The dreamy prince is bland with nothing to make him a worthy hero or someone who Zea would abandon her entire plans and beliefs for. Also no one seems particularly bothered that people have been murdered or that the supposed murderer is now back with no consequence. All of Zea’s ‘friends’ from the first one are gone, so abs now has new friends although these make no sense with what came in the previous book. It’s like the author needed her to have someone to talk to so just decided to make her characters forget everything about the first book.
This book was meant to be a mix of ‘The Selection’ and ‘The Hunger Games’ but fails spectacularly in being even half as good as either. The games or trials make no sense. Why does crossing a desert or surviving dangerous creatures in a zoo make a good queen? Plus the trials come out of nowhere and only one actually features in this book. The rest is convoluted nonsense. Either the queen needs to be a warrior and capable of combat therefore explaining the dangerous trials where you can murder your competitors is acceptable, but this isn’t the world we’re given. Or there should be trials to test compassion, resilience, organisation, grace, communication, etc. I.e. actually ushering features for a queen.
Yet this book focuses less on the trials that name the series, but more on the political intrigue that is so complicated and goes back and forth so many times that you can’t keep up. Zea is knocked out or arrested so many times that you don’t actually even care anymore.
Two stars was generous and at this point I won’t be reading the third book.
I found myself skipping through large parts of this book because I was bored.
This whole concept is just so ridiculous and so poorly executed that the whole thing is so far fetched and not in a way that is even close to believable. The characters are all so poorly written and say and act in a way that is completely unbelievable and random. The ‘evil queen’ is little more than a caricature. The dreamy prince is bland with nothing to make him a worthy hero or someone who Zea would abandon her entire plans and beliefs for. Also no one seems particularly bothered that people have been murdered or that the supposed murderer is now back with no consequence. All of Zea’s ‘friends’ from the first one are gone, so abs now has new friends although these make no sense with what came in the previous book. It’s like the author needed her to have someone to talk to so just decided to make her characters forget everything about the first book.
This book was meant to be a mix of ‘The Selection’ and ‘The Hunger Games’ but fails spectacularly in being even half as good as either. The games or trials make no sense. Why does crossing a desert or surviving dangerous creatures in a zoo make a good queen? Plus the trials come out of nowhere and only one actually features in this book. The rest is convoluted nonsense. Either the queen needs to be a warrior and capable of combat therefore explaining the dangerous trials where you can murder your competitors is acceptable, but this isn’t the world we’re given. Or there should be trials to test compassion, resilience, organisation, grace, communication, etc. I.e. actually ushering features for a queen.
Yet this book focuses less on the trials that name the series, but more on the political intrigue that is so complicated and goes back and forth so many times that you can’t keep up. Zea is knocked out or arrested so many times that you don’t actually even care anymore.
Two stars was generous and at this point I won’t be reading the third book.
May 9, 2022
It's hard to describe this book series. There are times where i am so not invested in the story and there are times where i think that this book is good that I want to read it for an eternity. but it just hits in the middle for me.
March 28, 2021
I guess I accidentally erased my review when I tried to correct a simple typo? That sucks. I really liked my review.
May 5, 2021
Wow, there is a lot going on in this book! I mean I did really enjoy it but there was a lot to take in. There were two ways this could have been dealt with: 1) cut or slim some of the details/events in this book to make it a little less OR 2) expand it a bit to make another book so then the series would be longer. I personally favor #2 as I loved the action but I did get overwhelmed a little.
We continue on our journey with Zea at the princess trials, they are now ready for the "palace round" it seems. Zea has made many enemies but none more powerful than the Queen. She will stop at nothing to rid herself of the Harvester girl who has captured Kevon's heart. Though in this book especially we see that Zea is more resilient than anyone, including herself, would've thought. The stakes are getting higher and enemies are all around, but Zea and Kevon's love grows stronger- can they make it or will they fail?
Zea is very much a strong-willed, determined, and at times stubborn girl but she is not perfect. She is flawed which is fantastic to read as we all are flawed and so she is more relatable in a way- I certainly have more empathy for her than anyone else in the book. Throughout the two books, she has shown such great character development. She is a very resilient young lady that I find myself rooting for! Kevon himself is showing a lot of growth as well in this book. He has definitely stepped up his game and I only want good things for him as he does seem genuine. The Queen on the other hand is absolutely horrible! She is what's wrong with the world and the author does paint her wonderfully in a terrible light.
This book is an easy and very entertaining read. I have stated that there is a lot happening and I wish that could be altered but all in all, I did truly like the book and story all around. It is very easy to see young readers to older readers reading this and enjoying it. A very good choice if you are a fan of the Hunger Games and The Selection. Action-packed, twists and turns, clean YA dystopian book
We continue on our journey with Zea at the princess trials, they are now ready for the "palace round" it seems. Zea has made many enemies but none more powerful than the Queen. She will stop at nothing to rid herself of the Harvester girl who has captured Kevon's heart. Though in this book especially we see that Zea is more resilient than anyone, including herself, would've thought. The stakes are getting higher and enemies are all around, but Zea and Kevon's love grows stronger- can they make it or will they fail?
Zea is very much a strong-willed, determined, and at times stubborn girl but she is not perfect. She is flawed which is fantastic to read as we all are flawed and so she is more relatable in a way- I certainly have more empathy for her than anyone else in the book. Throughout the two books, she has shown such great character development. She is a very resilient young lady that I find myself rooting for! Kevon himself is showing a lot of growth as well in this book. He has definitely stepped up his game and I only want good things for him as he does seem genuine. The Queen on the other hand is absolutely horrible! She is what's wrong with the world and the author does paint her wonderfully in a terrible light.
This book is an easy and very entertaining read. I have stated that there is a lot happening and I wish that could be altered but all in all, I did truly like the book and story all around. It is very easy to see young readers to older readers reading this and enjoying it. A very good choice if you are a fan of the Hunger Games and The Selection. Action-packed, twists and turns, clean YA dystopian book
October 28, 2022
This is hands down the cutest book of the series. I am so grateful to have found a dystopian YA series that DOESN'T rely on a love triangle to push forward a relationship or to outline the characters' love for one another. Cordel is able to do that so well with this series and especially in this novel.
There is definitely some fluffy, heartfelt moments through the novel but there is drama upon drama upon drama. Obviously expected from this type of series, but it was executed well and never got to the point of being annoying. I was able to see the struggles the characters go through without questioning how they keep the love they had for each other.
I wish I had more to say about this without spoiling any in the series. The most I can say is that Lea-Mays and Kevon are one of the cutest book couples I have read, and as soon as this was over and I had to move onto the last book immediately.
There is definitely some fluffy, heartfelt moments through the novel but there is drama upon drama upon drama. Obviously expected from this type of series, but it was executed well and never got to the point of being annoying. I was able to see the struggles the characters go through without questioning how they keep the love they had for each other.
I wish I had more to say about this without spoiling any in the series. The most I can say is that Lea-Mays and Kevon are one of the cutest book couples I have read, and as soon as this was over and I had to move onto the last book immediately.
January 16, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4
Well it's the first time this year I stayed awake to finish a book😂
The first half of this book I felt, again, was very similar to The Selection series, but it was very different in the second half.
While I preferred the first half of this book, I still needed to know what was going on and read the rest very quickly.
I do feel that the second half of the book felt somewhat rushed but also rambly at the same time - I think too much happened and it wasn't all totally necessary and that gave me a very hurried atmosphere which I wasn't the biggest fan of.
Either way I feel like I need to finish the series now so I will definitely be reading book 3.
Well it's the first time this year I stayed awake to finish a book😂
The first half of this book I felt, again, was very similar to The Selection series, but it was very different in the second half.
While I preferred the first half of this book, I still needed to know what was going on and read the rest very quickly.
I do feel that the second half of the book felt somewhat rushed but also rambly at the same time - I think too much happened and it wasn't all totally necessary and that gave me a very hurried atmosphere which I wasn't the biggest fan of.
Either way I feel like I need to finish the series now so I will definitely be reading book 3.
March 2, 2021
I cannot get over this book series!! Every time you think you know what is going to happen, there is an even bigger twist! I love Prince Kevon and like the main character Zea much more in this book. It is the type of book that makes you want to scream at the main character, who’s viewpoint it’s written in, to tell her what to do so we can all get the happy ending we want. Excited to read the next one
January 24, 2021
*2.5 Stars*
Likes:
*We get to see a bit more of Zea and Kevon’s feelings growing for one another and we get confirmation that Ryce is a jerk. Honestly, I’m glad there was some drama between Zea and Kevon because we know something between them…their relationship just needs more chemistry.
*Glad we got to see what the Ambassador Pascale of the Amstraad Republic wanted from Zea because I was starting to not really care. But they just kept showing up in convenient moments so it was good to finally learn something about their schemes. I also liked the few twists that occurred in the story.
*I liked it when Zea needed to save her family because finally we see her being a badass for something meaningful.
Random Notes:
*I read this book hoping for more romance or see some chemistry between Zea and Kevon and it’s just mild. With what Zea is going through in this princess trials, you’d think there would be something more explosive between them but it’s fairly sweet.
*Also…what is the point of these princess trials? Kevon barely has dates with any of the girls. They have all these very trials, a lot of them deadly – but Kevon has no personality. He’s nice and a good guy, but what do we really know about him? I think maybe the story just lacks depth because I feel the same about Zea ~ I want more from her and finally got it when her mom was about to die.
*I skimmed a few parts because we know they are after Zea, but at some point I just didn’t care. Like why does the Queen hate her so much? Just because she isn’t Noble? Queen Damascena is working so hard to keep Zea there yet she wants to kill her also? It didn’t work for me, it was exhausting.
*I think it was weak for Ryce to be her crush in book one, we barely see or hear from him, then in this book he’s awful and not what she thought he was – but he’s barely in this one too! 🤦🏻♀️
Final Thoughts:
I’m going to read the next book because I’m almost done with the series but so far. Usually I wouldn’t bother reading the next book if I found the previous books problematic, but I want to see what happens with Zea and Kevon. I think there are a lot of good ideas in this series – it just needs focus and so much more chemistry between Zea and Kevon. My favorite part was when Zea showed mettle especially when she was trying to save her family, that’s when I felt like she finally had something to fight for. We shall see if the next book can redeem this series in my eyes. Will we get more out of Zea and Kevon? I hope so.
Likes:
*We get to see a bit more of Zea and Kevon’s feelings growing for one another and we get confirmation that Ryce is a jerk. Honestly, I’m glad there was some drama between Zea and Kevon because we know something between them…their relationship just needs more chemistry.
*Glad we got to see what the Ambassador Pascale of the Amstraad Republic wanted from Zea because I was starting to not really care. But they just kept showing up in convenient moments so it was good to finally learn something about their schemes. I also liked the few twists that occurred in the story.
*I liked it when Zea needed to save her family because finally we see her being a badass for something meaningful.
Random Notes:
*I read this book hoping for more romance or see some chemistry between Zea and Kevon and it’s just mild. With what Zea is going through in this princess trials, you’d think there would be something more explosive between them but it’s fairly sweet.
*Also…what is the point of these princess trials? Kevon barely has dates with any of the girls. They have all these very trials, a lot of them deadly – but Kevon has no personality. He’s nice and a good guy, but what do we really know about him? I think maybe the story just lacks depth because I feel the same about Zea ~ I want more from her and finally got it when her mom was about to die.
*I skimmed a few parts because we know they are after Zea, but at some point I just didn’t care. Like why does the Queen hate her so much? Just because she isn’t Noble? Queen Damascena is working so hard to keep Zea there yet she wants to kill her also? It didn’t work for me, it was exhausting.
*I think it was weak for Ryce to be her crush in book one, we barely see or hear from him, then in this book he’s awful and not what she thought he was – but he’s barely in this one too! 🤦🏻♀️
Final Thoughts:
I’m going to read the next book because I’m almost done with the series but so far. Usually I wouldn’t bother reading the next book if I found the previous books problematic, but I want to see what happens with Zea and Kevon. I think there are a lot of good ideas in this series – it just needs focus and so much more chemistry between Zea and Kevon. My favorite part was when Zea showed mettle especially when she was trying to save her family, that’s when I felt like she finally had something to fight for. We shall see if the next book can redeem this series in my eyes. Will we get more out of Zea and Kevon? I hope so.
January 1, 2024
I can’t even write a review…like…at the end of EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER, there was a plot twist. It had my mouth DROP so many times. I’m emotionally damaged from this book. I need to read the third book now. Prince Kevin stays on top🥇his undying love for Zea never faultered even when the fake evidence was so realistic. And for what I have to say about the Queen? She’s a Royal b**** who is completely powerless so she has to resort to inhumane and disgusting lengths just to complete something. I hope she gets a long, slow, and gruesome death. Words cannot explain how much I hate that woman. From the start I hated her. And Zea darling? Keep your head up, you are a strong, independent bad a** who can kick anyone’s booty. Please slit the queens throat for me? Thank you.
September 27, 2020
Late night read-fest means that this is going to be a sloppy review. I really enjoyed this book, even with its crazy turns and events, and can’t wait to read the third.
Zea has got it rough in this book just like the first! Girl finally gets her head on straight about her lifelong goals and yet her life is consistently threatened, as well as her family’s. The queen is straight up nuts and I semi-enjoyed that aspect (I’m not down for torture but this chick is methodical to the enth degree!). That ending! So was not where I thought it was going at all!
Zea has got it rough in this book just like the first! Girl finally gets her head on straight about her lifelong goals and yet her life is consistently threatened, as well as her family’s. The queen is straight up nuts and I semi-enjoyed that aspect (I’m not down for torture but this chick is methodical to the enth degree!). That ending! So was not where I thought it was going at all!
January 19, 2021
Wow, plot twist after plot twist... some good, some bad. For example: Zea killed the king apparently? He was the guard she shot with the poisoned dart? But I thought they were framing her? I’m very confused. If it’s true, I don’t like it at all. How would that timeline even work? Has he been dead for a while and no one knew?
Anyway, Zea still made me facepalm a lot, but it wasn’t as bad as the last book. Glad she finally realized how much Ryce sucks. Hahahaha
Edit: Reading the final book answered my questions!
Anyway, Zea still made me facepalm a lot, but it wasn’t as bad as the last book. Glad she finally realized how much Ryce sucks. Hahahaha
Edit: Reading the final book answered my questions!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
OMG I thought the first book was awesome but this second book way surpasses it! It’s fast paced and action packed with romance and more betrayals and twists and turns you will not see coming and will have you on the edge of your seat! The world building is incredible and I found myself totally absorbed and lost in this world as we follow Zea into round two of the trials! Danger and suspense follow, secrets are told and unexpected allies are made, I just cannot wait to read the next book!
April 7, 2022
I really can't with this book series anymore. I hoped that maybe it would get better. Maybe a little more original, but nope. I really don't like Zea. She is so annoying. As a main character, she should be a little smarter. The only smart things she does is be cautious around the queen. The only reason I even continued this book was for Lotte. I liked her as a character in general. Not really interested in continuing this series. I'll just read spoilers and be satisfied with that
August 17, 2020
Poor writing
I love the concept of this story but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The writer leaves gaping holes in the plot which leaves the reader confused and rereading sections to try and figure out where the missing pieces are. It also doesn't help that there are a lot of spelling and grammatical errors.
I love the concept of this story but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The writer leaves gaping holes in the plot which leaves the reader confused and rereading sections to try and figure out where the missing pieces are. It also doesn't help that there are a lot of spelling and grammatical errors.
September 12, 2020
The last 1/3 of that book!! The back and forth on who is safe and who isn't. Wow. And that ending. Ok, can the third book be out like RIGHT NOW. I need to know what is about to happen.
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