Aurelia by Anne OsterlundSpeak, 2008
246 pages
YA; Fantasy
Source: The library
Summary: Aurelia is crown princess and someone wants her dead! Robert returns to the palace in the place of his father, former royal spy, in order to investigate those attempts. But his investigation stirs complicated emotions in the two young people and uncovers many secrets.
Thoughts: I feel like the title is misleading as I ended up feeling much more connected to Robert while Aurelia was more of a cipher. I think it would have been more accurate to include both of their names or just to focus more on him because he emerged as more interesting and sympathetic. I liked Aurelia but I didn't feel like there was enough focus on her, considering the title implies that it's all about her. I was also disappointed in the supporting characters-horseman Drew sparkled but the rest of them were pretty flat and didn't add to the book. I love fun supporting characters so I was sad about that.
I've read some reviews where people felt the middle was a bit slow-I thought the beginning was slow while the middle meandered in a lovely way. The ending was very fast-paced but without an adequate conclusion. The motive and plotter are uncovered but there's no suitable punishment and while Aurelia should be safe, maybe she won't be. Speaking of the plot, I figured out part of it! But not the main person, unfortunately for me.
Overall: 4/5. Cute story-definitely suitable for younger YA readers.
Cover: I think it's really pretty, the mask is relevant, and the title font is beautiful.
The cover is gorgeous. The mask reminds me of Venice! (I really have to go to Venice again this fall!) Anyway...Cool review! I like the points you made. I wouldn't buy this book, but I'd definitely borrow it from a library. I love historical fiction, and when there's a mystery, even more so. Maybe the book is titled Aurelia because she's the linking point between characters? I don't know. Thanks for sharing!
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ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you about the beginning - I had trouble getting into this one too, and then the ending accelerated a little too quickly and seemed to almost drop off the edge. I enjoyed this book too (will read the sequel when it comes out) and I'm glad you did too.
Excellent review!
oh i have just got me some cover love here....it sounds great too
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@ Irena-I guess the title makes sense since it centers around her and Robert isn't a very exciting title but I still don't really like it.
ReplyDelete@ Amelia-I didn't know there was going to be a sequel although I'm glad to hear it because it is set up for one!