Title: The Fourth Princess
Author: Eileen L. Maschger
Publisher: ReadersMagnet, LLC
ISBN: 978-1956780949
Pages: 183
Genre: Fairytale and Adventure
Reviewed by: Subhrajit Saha
Pacific Book Review
The engagement factor is a crucial consideration whenever a reader decides to start a novel. In this regard,The Fourth Princess is highly recommended for anyone who loves to explore well-crafted characters and an intriguing story blending action, romance, and more. Author Eileen L. Maschger’s novel follows Josephine Helena Carmina, the fourth princess of Ebren and the daughter of King Ronald and Queen Laurel. Unlike her three elder sisters, Josephine struggles to find a special talent. She feels mediocre wherever she goes and often fails to achieve greatness. One day, she leaves her kingdom to find herself. During her journey, the fourth princess encounters a diverse array of people, from the poor to the rich, and the good to the evil, ultimately becoming the people’s princess.
On her quest to uncover her special ability, Josephine encounters Prince Wendell of Tridith. While she is escaping her family, Wendell is grappling with the torment of his own dysfunctional family. The real question is whether they will unite to assist each other in overcoming their struggles or if a shocking twist in their fate will make their journey even more harrowing, leaving readers stunned by their final predicament. As the story progresses, the narrative becomes increasingly interesting with the introduction of shady characters like Kendell Krouss, Queen of Tridith Katerina, King Theodore, and others. The author’s unique selling point in The Fourth Princess is the deep exploration of its characters.
Initially, the novel may seem ordinary, but this notion quickly fades as it delves deeper into Josephine’s character, becoming increasingly captivating. The way Katerina’s backstory influences the storyline and justifies her current behavior is well executed from a character’s perspective. The bohemian touch in the fourth princess’s character is especially striking, as she feels most alive when she’s between places, a sentiment that deeply resonates with readers. Similarly, the camaraderie and intriguing moments shared by the trio – Fool, Wendell, and Josephine – add to the novel’s charm. The royal entry of King Theodore elevates the climax to another level. Overall, the well-crafted relationships and character development make the novel thoroughly enjoyable.
The romance and adventure, complemented by a touch of comedy in the early parts of Josephine’s story, along with her later interactions with Wendell and the Fool, are truly captivating. The initial interaction between the prince of Tridith and the princess of Ebren gives off a classic vibe, starting their romantic journey with a fight, reminiscent of Tom and Jerry moments that readers thoroughly enjoy. Scenes like the bar moments or the rescue in the ocean melt the hearts of readers while providing enough space for the love story to blossom. As a whole, The Fourth Princess is a delightful read for fairytale and adventure lovers, with a well-balanced blend of romance, action, and comedy.
