Description
Two princesses…one crown.
The royal twins have battled it out for eighteen years, but Princess Heather was firstborn and now rules the Kingdom of Raspen. Meanwhile Princess Rose is doing time in the dungeon. Caught in the act of usurping the crown—as well as her sister’s man—the second born princess has time to think.
After a failed scheme that sends her spiraling into despair, Rose has an epiphany. Before she can dwell on it, though, she learns that their kingdom might be in serious trouble, so with her sister’s help she dons a disguise and befriends a pair of cellmates, spies from an enemy country. Though Rose is only hoping to extract vital information from them, she ends up kidnapped when they make their escape.
While Queen Heather tries to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom, Rose is forced into an adventure she never wanted, but which she’s determined to use for the good of Raspen and her sister. But with more enemies than friends and the threat of a wicked king hanging always over her, Rose begins to worry that her redemption will do little to save her life.
Margaret Nelson –
You really need to read book 1 first, A Royal Quest. And you’ll be glad that #2 available to read as soon as you finish book 1 🙂 I really enjoyed both books, but I think the plot twists in this one are even more unpredictable than the ones in A Royal Quest. The characters are great, and there’s some great humor in the things that happen to Princess Rose. Carlson does well at dragging out the tension between Heather and Michael. The Princess Wars make great reading!
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Kathryn Pfeifer –
Melody Carlson has penned a fantastic new series in The Princess Wars. The second installment, A Royal Redemption, takes up right where the first book, A Royal Quest, leaves off. This YA read contains all the elements: romance, adventure, and royal intrigue. Sure to fully entertain readers, prepare to fall into a world of feuding princesses turned allies, each seeking to protect her kingdom from enemy threats, kidnappings, and even marriage proposals. Carlson has truly delivered a story sure to make readers both sigh with emotion and smile in delight.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Talita Adendorff –
Let’s start with I really recommend reading A Royal Quest before reading A Royal Redemption. Although you can read A Royal Redemption as a stand-alone, I don’t recommend it. To me this is a two-part story with the books being interlinked in many places.
The whole story concept is very interesting, with twin princesses living in the medieval kingdom of Raspen, and although Princess Rose is the main character of A Royal Redemption, I still prefer her twin sister, Princess Heather. To be honest I feel this book is definitely aimed at younger readers and I would have preferred a simpler plot line, at times it can get very busy, with too many things happening at once and things happening too fast as well. I prefer a book with a bit more depth.
That being said, I really wanted to know what happens to Rose and Heather, I was interested in their characters and their love stories are very sweet. It also has a happily ever after which I am a big fan of.
If you have read A Royal Quest, I recommend finishing the Princess Wars and settling in with A Royal Redemption. Otherwise, go and start with A Royal Quest, before moving on to A Royal Redemption.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but the views and opinions are my own.
Megan –
Full disclosure: You really need to read book one, A Royal Quest, before you read this book. This book picks up right after the first book ends, so if you don’t read them in order you probably won’t enjoy it as much.
Rose wasn’t a terribly likeable character in the first book, and in the beginning of this book she’s even more unlikeable. I did appreciate the turn around her character had though, and how the author led her to discover her mistakes so that she could become a better person.
The action picks up right where the first book left off. The pacing of the book was well done, and I think most teens would enjoy this series if they enjoy royal romances with a hint of intrigue. Of the two books in the series I think I preferred book one over this one. I did enjoy the ending of the series though, I thought how the author tied it all together made for a satisfying journey for all the characters. I think this book is perfect for young adults, or anyone who enjoys an easy to read royal romance.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Anonymous –
A continuation of the Princess Wars! A Royal Redemption followed Queen Heather continuing to solidify her reign and Princess Rose finding her way under her sister’s victory. I liked the sequel better than the first book, and I really enjoyed Rose’s redemption as she humbled down and found her own place. I’m not going to lie, I actually ended up liking Rose and her story better than Heather! A Royal Redemption is a YA read, and with that being said, it could be considered a bit predictable, but nevertheless, an enjoyable read if you are looking for something to relax with and finish within a reasonable amount of time. And, did I mention how much I loved Rose’s part in this story??
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Stephanie York –
I loved how there was a gradual change between everyone involved it was not immediate. Rose has to answer to her own actions from the previous book. So I would recommend reading book 1 so you have a better understanding of the background. You also see growth with Queen Heather and her kingdom and allies. Rose is the one who has to come to terms with her own actions and the consequences.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Jeanti Steenkamp –
A Royal Redemption by Melody Carlson targets younger audiences with a solid royalty-themed story. The novel continues the story of twin princesses Heather and Rose in the Kingdom of Raspen. Heather rules as queen, while Rose is imprisoned for trying to overthrow the throne. Rose undergoes personal transformation in the dungeon but is soon caught up in a mission to save the kingdom, leading to her kidnapping. Meanwhile, Queen Heather seeks to secure an alliance with a neighbouring kingdom. In the end, both sisters contribute to saving Raspen and keeping their people safe.
Heather is depicted as a strong, forgiving ruler, while Rose transitions from a scheming princess to a selfless protector. However, Rose’s character development needed more depth and time. The themes of redemption, forgiveness, and family loyalty are central to the story.
The book’s ending could have explored the love stories of both sisters more thoroughly and not rushed Rose’s romantic storyline. Despite engaging writing, the inconsistent plot flow and pacing issues detract from the reading experience. Overall I enjoyed the book but found the first book to be my favourite in the series. Starting with the first book in the series is recommended for a better understanding. Overall, I would rate “A Royal Redemption” 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.