Review: The Princess and the Hound

George is a prince living in a land where animal magic is forbidden and those who possess it are prosecuted.

The queen, George’s mother, has animal magic. And, so does George. His mother teaches him how to use it and whenever George is with her, he feels as if he truly belongs.

But then his mother dies, leaving George with his father who barely knows him. George tries to fit into the mould that the kingdom (and his father) has for him, hiding his true self and any traces of his animal magic. He appears to be the perfect prince, even being willing to marry Princess Beatrice to achieve peace between the rival kingdoms.

When George meets Beatrice he meets someone wild and stubborn but determined to do her duty (marrying George). She wants to prove to her father that she isn’t useless. However, her father, along with his kingdom, continues to mock her, leaving her virtually alone. The only person who cares for her is her hound, Marit.

Both George and Beatrice are fiercely independent and have isolated themselves from others. But soon, they find themselves united through their dark secrets. And then, slowly, love blossoms between two individuals despite their differences.

The romance occurs subtly throughout the whole story, sometimes hidden under the action. Beatrice and George spend a large portion of the book chasing after a man who has committed many crimes (including poisoning George’s father as well as one much, much worse).

The cover is a little deceptive in that it seems that the book is about the Princess. Despite the fact that she is a fairly major character of the book, George is the main character and he narrates the book.

This book has a few surprises in there. I felt that some parts of the book didn't add up perfectly. However,because of its complex ideas and well-written story I still enjoyed it. Mette Ivie Harrison has a brilliant idea here and I think she managed to pull it off fairly well.

Rating: 4/5


Happy Reading,
Reader Rabbit the Second