Princess Lissar grows to womanhood forgotten in a corner of a large castle; the focus is firmly on her beautiful parents. Only after her mother dies does Lissar gain attention, and not in any way that she wants. Lissar is forced to flee for her own safety with only her dog Ash at her side. Forgotten and lost in the woods, Lissar must learn how to stand on her own two feet, with the help of a little magic.
I love Robin McKinley. I’ve said in my reviews of her other books that she has a prose style that reminds me of fairy tales and puts me far, far back into my own childhood. I knew that “something horrible” happened in this book which may not be appropriate for small children to read, but it wasn’t really enough to put me off it even after I realized what it was – what it had to be. I loved Lissar’s transformation, her struggle to find herself, her slow journey towards recognition, and definitely her relationship with Ash, who was a great character all on her own. I especially loved the end.
So, recommended? Definitely, although not for squeamish or those averse to violence; I don’t think this is actually a YA book, although correct me if I’m wrong, someone!
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