The Princess Will Save You

July 20, 2020
Hints of political intrigue bolster a gender-swapped homage to The Princess Bride in Henning’s (Throw Like a Girl) fantasy duology starter. On the continent of Sand and Sky, in the resource-rich kingdom of Ardenia, Princess Amarande, 16, has been trained in both court and warrior ways at the behest of her father, King Sendoa. Her best friend Luca, an orphan refugee who serves as stable boy, has been raised at her side. Upon the king’s untimely death, Ama is faced with the impossible knowledge that she must marry to save her kingdom—and none of the corrupt neighboring kingdoms’ suitors hold a candle to Luca. When Luca is kidnapped by three “land pirates” in an attempt to force Ama’s choice, she risks her life and throne to save him, racing across Luca’s birthplace, the Torrent, an arid, lawless land ruled by a mysterious, reportedly vicious warlord, to reclaim her love. A series of coincidences and plot threads may frustrate as much as intrigue. Though the novel lacks much of its inspiration’s humor, quirky dialogue and secondary characters augment a familiar plot that explores themes of feminism, love, and agency. Ages 13–up. Agent: Whitney Ross, Irene Goodman Literary.