Review: not sure what this wanted to be
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 07 19, 2012
This is a YA type piece that had glimpses of much younger fairytale bits in it.  Or, it was a fairytale type for younger readers which contained content beyond those years.  It is hard for me to ascertain which intended.  Though it does not ultimately matter.  I thought this was going to be an adult type book when I downloaded it.  But, I found that not to be the case.The writing style was fine - there were no huge errors related to grammar, etc.  The maturity of the MC was that of a conceited teenager (which can work for stories - so I am not being snarky in the comment - just stating how she was conveyed related to reader intrepretation (by this reader of course)).  Due to such, it was not a compelling fantasy read that caught me up and made me think "I just have to read more " of this same character.  Though, I am nearly 50 and not a tween.  The plot was a combination historical barbarian type deal wherein the hand of a beautiful lass is being sought.  Which could convert to adult material plotwise.  Not so in this case due to a tinkerbell type character, the poison arrow/apple type but (kiss) and the teddybear queen (reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland).  Now, the characters and devices were NOT lifts of other stories - rather they evoked the feel of character type.  Thus, altering the material contained to read in more juvenile tone overall.  Perhaps that was intent - I cannot say.  Many will not find fault with such.  But, as this was found in a search of sci -fi /fantasy adult - I was certainly expecting a more adult type book.This story is about a self proclaimed beauty beyond compare (first person narrative) who was trained to be a fighting knight - except when she was required to flee (per orders from throne) for her being so beautiful and important (never established why) .  The wonderous magic brought to her makes her unkillable related to a very important device (conveniently) and she is also gifted with ability (magic again) to locate a place (twice) that no one else has ever found (nor ever does again as told in story) just in time (conveniently) to save the day and return the kingdom to rights.  Even for fantasy the whole of the tale was too contrived and the plot devices were fairytale caliber (magic mirror where are you?  - oh, the waterfountain - whew) .Now there is a place for such tale type among younger readers.  I did not find it compelling adult reading.Christine