Tags
5 stars, Book Review, British Isles, Cornwall, fae, fantasy, historical, magic, romance, series, Tanya Anne Crosby
About The Cornish Princess by Tanya Anne Crosby
Said to be a changeling child left to the King and Queen of Cornwall, Gwendolyn is “blessed” at her cradle by three Fae gifts: a prophecy for her future, a gift of “Reflection,” and a golden mane—quite literally, every lock of her hair will turn to gold, only provided it is cut by her one true love.
Yet no one understands more than Gwendolyn that her blessings are actually curses. Any man who gazes upon her will see his own heart reflected in her countenance, and depending upon his virtue, she is the loveliest woman in all the land… or the most hideous. It’s a cruel jest of the capricious Fae, for unless a man’s heart be true, Gwendolyn is destined to be coveted for her crown, but despised for her face.
To make matters worse, Gwendolyn’s ailing father is desperate for an alliance with King Brutus of Loegria. “The Romans are coming!” and according to the Goldenchild Prophecy, only by uniting their dragon banners can they stem the Red Tide. Offered to Brutus’s ambitious son, Prince Locrinus, Gwendolyn’s heart is tempted by a mysterious, maddening half-blood Fae who she can never wed if she is to fulfill her crib side prophecy.
**********************
Review of The Cornish Princess
The Cornish Princess starts with the story of Gwendolyn’s birth and her fae ‘gifts’. The gifts foretell the girl’s challenging future. But isn’t that why we are reading this book?
Move forward in time to age seventeen and the story illustrates just how very young heroine the heroine is. Young, immature, even foolish. So, with hints of a YA novel. This includes her treatment Malik, the Sidhe who is put in charge of her safety. He does his job, but Gwendolyn makes it very difficult.
However, Gwendolyn is quickly thrust into a very mature situation along with Malik. While some of her reactions still reflect her age, she learns quickly that she is no longer a child. This takes the YA edge away and allows adults to enjoy the story.
The fae gifts are fascinating. Especially the one where Gwendolyn’s appearance reflects the viewers true nature. Since the story is from Gwendolyn’s view, you never really know what those who look at her think, but you can guess based on their actions.
The adventures are harrowing and heartbreaking. Considering Gwendolyn’s upbringing and training to become a leader, this might have been expected. She will have to use all of the skills she has learned over the years. In addition to the overall arc that is not completed in this book, Gwendolyn will solve a mystery.
The Cornish Princess is part of a bigger story. Do not expect a grand finale or a happy ending. Do expect the author’s exquisite attention to details that bring that little known era of history alive. Expect the author’s storytelling to feel as magical as the fae in the story. And plan to look forward to the next book in The Goldenchild Prophecy – even if it is months and months away.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
**********************
Links
Add The Cornish Princess to your Goodreads shelf:
Purchase The Cornish Princess:
**********************