The Princess and the Hound

The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison
Eos, 2007
410 pages
YA; Fairy Tale; Fantasy
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Despite the title, the focus of this book is a young prince named George.  Born with forbidden "animal magic" George has long felt alone especially after the death of his mother who also had similar powers.  When he journeys to a neighboring country to meet his betrothed, that is when he meets the princess and the hound of the title: two females with an entangled history that needs to be unraveled in order to secure a happy ending for George and for his kingdom.

I felt for George; the only person who cared about him was his mother who dies when he's young.  His father seems unable to connect with him and is more wrapped up in his kingly duties anyway.  Because those with animal magic are supposed to be burned to death, George keeps himself closed off from people and it is not until he meets Princess Beatrice and her hound Marit that he begins to open up and seek a better world.  I liked that love is what caused his transformation, giving him the confidence to look out.  I also enjoyed that the couple had a long courtship instead of instant love.

This is not a fast book; I think it could have been edited down but I didn't mind too much.  I enjoyed luxuriating in the world and preparing for the sequel, which features two characters from this book.  I figured out some of the mysteries but not all, giving me some pleasant surprises as I read.

Recommended for a lazy afternoon; not for the impatient.

The Last Knight

The Last Knight by Hilari Bell
Eos, 2007
357 pages
YA; Fantasy
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for Best Overlooked YA Book Battle.

Eighteen-year old Sir Michael has decided to take up the lost art of knight errantry in order to avoid a stultifying existence on his father's estate.  He saves a seventeen-year old Fisk from his criminal existence to serve as his squire.  One night they rescue Lady Ceciel from a tower only to discover the next day that she had been sentenced there for poisoning her husband.  They must track her down and bring her in for justice in order to be redeemed in the eyes of the law.

I really enjoyed the alternating perspectives as first Fisk and then Michael tell their story.  They have many amusing side adventures as they attempt to track down Lady Ceciel and become actual friends.  Michael, raised as a noble, abhors the idea of lying while Fisk, as a pretty successful conman, has lying as his natural instinct. The conflict between the two over this was very amusing; in general, I sided with Fisk because some of their tasks would have been easier with lies.

I wish we could have had more back-story on Fisk's past as a thief; there are hints but I felt more could have been elaborated.  I also would have liked to know more about Michael's past.  I enjoyed seeing the characters as they were but I wouldn't have minded learning more.  The world was also somewhat sketchily outlined.  There are two moons on the cover, which seem to reflect gods but I didn't fully understand their belief system.  Magic is also present in this world.  Luckily there appear to be sequels so hopefully I can learn more through them.

Overall: An nice story about his knight errant and his squire that left me eager for the next book.