Princess Academy

I listened to this on audio and loved it. It was like hearing a play. Each character had a different voice and a narrator read. I could have done without all the singing but it gave it such a wonderful feel. I watched BYU do the Princess Academy as a play and it was great and this reminded me of that and brought me right back to sitting in the audience. This was a good second story. I liked that we get to see the rest of the country. I wished more dialog between all these characters had been added. The book gave the feeling that Miri was all alone in everything but surrounded by tones of people, people she loved and trusted. It isn't until the end of the book that she opens up to everyone and finds solutions to her problems. It made a good book but is unrealistic. The end answered so many questions and it wrapped up very nicely.

I came across the Palace of Stone at the library again quite by accident while wandering the shelves. Palace is the sequel to Princess Academy the story of the girls in a small mountain village being taken away to be a part of the Princess Academy. Their little village on Mount Eskel is part of the country of Danland. Future kings of Danland do not simply get to pick their own wives, the nation’s priests determine what area of the country the wife is going to come from and then an academy is set up to teach all of the girls aged 12 – 17 what they need to know to become princess and then queen. I remember pulling the book out of my classroom library to read. I tried to read as many of the books as I could for two reasons: 1) so that I knew exactly what was on my shelves and I wouldn’t be surprised if a parent raised an issue with a book, then I could respond intelligently about the book and 2) it’s much easier to recommend books to students when you’ve read them. Anyway, I really enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the growth of the girls, their awakening to the larger world they are a part of, especially Miri.

Palace picks up not too long after the end of Princess. Miri and girls of Mount Eskel, now ladies of the princess are headed to spend a year in the capital city of Asland helping the princess prepare for her wedding. Miri will be attending the Queen’s Castle school while there, and Peder her close friend and she hopes betrothed will also be going along to learn to carve the linder they villagers dig out of the quarry on the mountain.

I’ll be honest, after reading the book I read the reviews and while I agree that I was somewhat disappointed in the lack of description of Asland the city, there was much more going on and it just didn’t stick with me as a problem. Others were also bothered by the “love triangle” one reviewer saying Miri and Peder’s relationship just doesn’t seem to develop slowly rather it undergoes a sudden change. I don’t see that. Miri clearly feels deeply for Peder but as she has been raised says nothing to him, it’s supposed to be the boy who expresses interest and yet when he doesn’t and another boy does it is no surprise she responds while remaining conflicted.

The politics in the book are what really caught my attention though. The nobels are required to pay tribute to the king this means they are taking money and other things from the commoners on their lands. The commoners, known as the “shoeless” are becoming poorer and poorer with each passing year. A revolution is on the way, Miri who believed that all lowlanders had life better than the Eskelites has her eyes opened and ends up smack in the middle of the fight. It does move rapidly, there are transitions that seem almost too fast like something is missing. Over all I really liked this book, I found Miri to be a totally believable character. Some complaints in reviews were that she was such a strong person in Academy and now is unsure of herself, well DUH, someone particularly and adolescent to a dramatically different environment than the one she is used to will often lead to what seems to be a change in personality. Given time however that fades as the person becomes accustomed to their new place. This is exactly what happens with Miri.

This is a great read for those wanting to show how history may or may not repeat itself, how revolutions begin, and how even unknowingly you can play a role in something as large as an uprising. I will be adding it to my classroom collection when I get a classroom again!

It seems like a simple idea--the prince has to choose a bride from amongst a group of appropriately aged but rough mountain girls, and they must become educated to be proper princesses--but I was impressed at how this book ended up being a lot more than just the answer to "which girl will be chosen?" Miri and her classmates' culture on Mount Eskel is well-thought-out and realistic; the "quarry-speech" is a neat idea that is uncovered for the reader's discovery through the main character's realistic lack of experience with it; the predictable nature of a few of the events is easily overshadowed by the enjoyability of watching it all play out. It was great to see a girl who thinks herself weak and useless transform herself through education and courage into a strong and helpful person without making it seem like it'd all be a waste if she didn't get chosen as the princess. Miri's relationships with her classmates, her teacher, and her family were all very realistic and interesting . . . especially the in-fighting between the girls, the alliances and feuds carried between them, and the transformations that occurred on all fronts. I loved that Miri often became conflicted about what she wanted; it's so rare in children's literature that authors respect their audience and their characters enough to give them layers and personality facets as if they are real people.

Miri has known no other life than of Mount Eskel. A simple but fulfilling life in these mountains only got better when their little village was divined to be the home of the future princess of Asland.

After spending time learning at the Princess Academy, Miri ventures into an even more challenging experience than before. She, along with a handful of girls, and Peder, are set to go to the city and help Britta (the chosen princess) to prepare for her wedding.

With the overwhelming life in the city, Miri is torn between a new and brighter world, and the comfort and security of her old life...

Shannon Hale truly is one of the best in creating fairy tales. As much as I thought I enjoyed Princess Academy, I didn't expect the kind of change Palace of Stone presented readers with.

I found Miri relatable when it comes to, somewhat, a career growth. Before the academy was set up, Miri had known nothing more than to tend to goats and do house chores. Once she learned to read, write and discover means of making life in Mount Eskel much better for everyone, the possibilities for greater things seemed endless. Having the chance to be a scholar in the city, who would think twice about it? Here lies in the thought of succeeding and yet never forgetting where you once came from; staying grounded in spite of all the many privileges you gain through your accomplishments.

I kind of feel that Miri isn't the same girl I met from Princess Academy. She changed quite a lot. I guess I can't blame her given that she's experiencing an entirely different world. There's the feeling of being out of place, trying to fit in, meeting new people, learning new things... it's a lot to take in. And I guess Miri is simply confused most of the time.

I don't understand the need for another guy to be in Miri's life though. I mean Miri already likes Peder, even though he wasn't exposed much from the first book but I think it's already fitting that they belong together. The girl is already swamped with all these new things, not to mention a sort of culture-shock, but you have to let her feel a sense of infatuation to top it all of? Poor girl. I just wish I could've seen more Peder-Miri moments than see Miri ogle over Timon. He just came out very manipulative.

Palace of Stone really took a whole other leap from Princess Academy. But the question is, was it a good or bad change? I'd have to say it would be in between. The change was good and fresh but it didn't come out extremely exciting. If you are planning to read this book [and Princess Academy], be forewarned that these books really are set for a younger audience. If you're a more mature person and you're not used to this kind of writing approach, you'll probably find this a bit shallow.

Since I'm accustomed to Hale's writing style, I was sort of prepared for what is installed, and the familiarity made me enjoy this book just as well.

Shannon Hale has done it again. I absolutely love love love this book. I love the characters and everything else. This story is about a strong, hardworking and kind hearted pheasant girl named Miri, that lives on a mountin (Mount Eskel) that is sent to this school called princess academy. Now don't let the word Princess fool you. There're are some dangers. Any way the princess academy is basically an organization that turn pheasant girls into girls who are fit to be a princess. At the very end the prince will choose a wife. If right now you are thinking oh well thats so easy, all you do is courtesy and attend to balls then think again. Miri and many others have to take lessons from speech and posture to the history of the world. If you do something that is forbidden you get hit in the palm of your hand with a ruler and sent into closet for quite a while. Miri gets sent into the closet and discovers the're are rats in there They are not there by coincidence they were just living there the person who sent Miri into the closet was terrified and Miri was stuck with them for a while. It was intense. Miri studies long and hard and sometimes takes books without permission, to study. Miri makes a few new friends, Gerti and Britta and stays with old friends like Esa and Frid. Now before the prince chooses his bride a ball takes place and all the students dance with the prince and then the prince chooses his princess. At the princess academy the person who does the best job and comes out with wonderful grades is the most "special" and gets to wear a really fancy dress. That person ends up being Miri. But right before the ball her friend Britta ends up getting physically getting sick and can't go to the ball. That is a big problem because the prince secretly knows her and likes her and doesn't tell anybody and when the prince doesn't see Britta he starts to freak out because he thought it would be easy if Britta was there because he would pick her and that would be that. So then prince leaves without someone as his bride and the girls have to do more work at the academy. Then something really intense happens. While the girls are doing work at the academy a band of murderous bandits break in in serch of the prince's bride and I can tell you they are not friendly so they are not we'll just say gentle to the people there. They demand to know who the new princess is and a bunch of girls say it is them. Then the bandits force them to stay at the school but Miri figures out away to let everyone go and sets everyone free, but not for long. The bandits catch up to them and they grab hold Miri and threaten to kill her Miri escapes and then gets caught again and the bandits still threatan to kill her. Miri stabs the bandit holding her with a clay hawk beak and then escapes, makes the bandit fall down the cliff and then the bandit grabs hold of her foot and Miri's Pa bangs him on the head really hard and the bandit falls and then the world is back at peace. Later the prince comes back and chooses Britta to be his wife and all the other girls get to go back home. This books is full of mixed feelings and is really just a spectacular read. I hope you enjoy/enjoyed the book. Don't forget to read the next one in the series "Palace of Stone". It's just as good as the first.

(3.5 stars) This is the sequel to the Princess Academy. Miri and several of the girls from who attended the Princess Academy on Mount Eskel are headed to the capital Asland to help Britta prepare for her marriage. Peder also joins them so he can apprentice with a stone cutter and learn more about carving. He plans to bring the skills back to Mount Eskel to help add value to the stone they quarry. The city, the ocean, and the differences in the style of life are initially overwhelming as is the wealth in the palace versus the poverty in the streets. Miri is lucky enough to attend the Queen's Castle school, and is torn between her yearnings for knowledge and her yearnings for home. As she learns about ethics, she gets a real world perspective of the haves and the have nots (the shoeless) and is pulled towards those seeking revolution by a fellow student, Timon, who also provides a romantic counterpoint to Peder. Miri must make some difficult choices as she tries to decide where her loyalties lie. I was a little unsure of this, as initially I could not think of a good way to continue the story from the prior book, but the author did a nice job by taking the characters in a new direction and a new setting. I appreciated the author's presentation of ethics and that she left some grey on both sides of the issues.

I loved the Princess Academy! I was really happy when Shannon wrote a sequel. I ended up really enjoying it, not as much as the first book, but it was still really good.

Things are unsettled in the capital of the country and in regards to the king and the way he rules. This is the setting that Miri and her friends step into as she comes down from her mountain to study at the Queen's Castle. She isn't quite sure what is going on and which side to choose. She has three different friends who are pulling her one way or another. She doesn't feel like she is important enough or smart enough to make a difference. Little does she know how important of a role she will end up playing.

I really loved Miri in the first book and I liked her, for the most part, in this one. I did get a little frustrated when I saw her making wrong choices, not being more guarded, being easily led and deceived, or not making decisions at all or talking to anyone about them. It did fit her background and experience in some ways. In other ways I felt she should have initially been more loyal to her friends. She has never been in the capital or been around so much nobility and the rules of the society are so very different from what she has ever experienced. She also is unsure of where her heart lies. Is she going to want to come back to the Queen's Castle, is she going to want to go home and marry her childhood friend who has become something more, or is there someone else for her?

This really, in a lot of ways, is a continuation of Miri coming of age and finding out who she really is or wants to be and just the learning pains of growing up. I was happy with what she does and decides in the end, which made struggling through the rough spots worth it.

If you enjoyed the first book, love reading Middle Grade, or love Shannon Hale, then I would definitely recommend reading this one.

Content: Clean

An outstanding sequel to Princess Academy which takes Miri's exploration of the meaning of life, education, friendship and love to the next level.

Miri leaves Mount Eskel and heads to the capital city to help her friend, the future princess Britta, prepare for her wedding. While there she has the opportunity to further her education at Queen's Castle University where she studies history and literature, rhetoric and philosophy, politics and even ethics.

The value of books and education features strongly in this book, as it did in Princess Academy; Miri says, "the weight of all she did not know felt like a boulder on her back." (109)

But Miri also tries to apply the theory she learns to the decisions she must make, and this gives rise to several important considerations which run like themes throughout the story.

First there is the need to read and learn from history: to see what has worked and why. History showed that a spur of the moment revolution did not succeed; while it offered a temporary feeling of strength in the power to reject the oppressing authority, it amounted to nothing the following day. Then she considers the ethics of revolution by force: it can be just when the demands on a people are unjust, but one must also recognise the danger of a fiery crowd and the ineffectiveness of revolt once it loses control. It takes a long personal struggle for Miri to recognise that in revolution, the best solutions do not come through force.

She returns again and again to one particular ethical question which was presented as an example at the university: If a building were burning and you had to choose between saving a convicted murderer or a beautiful painting, which would you save? Though it seems to be a decision about the value of a person--even a bad one--or a thing, Miri uses it to consider a different problem, relating it to her own dilemma about wanting to help her people through the revolution against the political injustice of the monarchy, but not wanting to hurt her friend who is soon to marry into the royal family. She wants to help both, and asks why, or perhaps whether, that is impossible.

Miri also experiences the complexity of truth. She learns the harm of broadcasting personal thoughts to the world, especially when they are taken out of context. She experiences difference between fighting political injustice in theory and seeing that fight focused on a particular person, especially when that person is her friend.

She learns that making ethical choices is not something that is always clear cut, but that ethics happens in the heart and in the head, and that one must study in order to make a good choice. Having studied, sought advice, and acted to the best of one's ability, she learns that it is better to make a choice that turns out to be wrong than to make no choice at all. She sums this up - rather simply - when she states "Truth is when your gut and your mind agree." (214)

On love and friendship, Miri learns that for love to be real it involves self-sacrifice, gratitude, negotiation and deep friendship. The relationships she develops in this book are deeper than in the first, but somehow they maintain a refreshing simplicity while still helping Miri to grow in wisdom.

The linder stone that connects some people's consciousness with another's is said to allow them to sense what the other person is feeling. This becomes a poignant symbol of the sensitivity to detect truth, justice, goodness and love in one's relations with other people. Miri's role is effectively to help people in authority to re-awaken their ability to determine what is right, learning to listen and detect, to reflect and then act upon it.

If only Hale's adult books could feature such wonderful characters and explore such great themes.

Princess Academy is just plain beautiful writing. The tone was bittersweet and slightly formal, which I loved. At the same time, it felt very much like a young girl narrating. I can see why this was a Newbery Honor book. I really don't know how she managed to do that. The descriptions of the characters immediately created an image in my head and aren't just a list of facts about them.

"Enrik!" Miri jogged to the trader she had dealt with for the past two years. He was lank and pale, and the way he looked down his thin nose at her reminded Miri of a bird that had gone too long without a grub.

-Shannon Hale, Princess Academy pg 24.

There are a lot of characters in this book. There were so many that I had to write a list of them to keep track! Each character comes with a distinct and interesting personality. Not all the girls at the Academy are nice. And their teacher, Olana, is like the offspring of Effie Trinket and Severus Snape. She was very entertaining and one of my favorite characters.

There is the barest hint of magic that shows the power of memories. I was not expecting magic in this book, and although there isn't much of it, it is delightful and fascinating.

The ending is quite the intense. I was glued to the book as these young girls showed true bravery.

Shannon Hale continues to amaze me at her ability to have a different style in each of her books. I was pleasantly surprised by this book - it was not the light and fluffy read I thought it would be, but I could still see it appealing to kids.

Overall, it was a beautifully written book about bravery and friendship with the lightest touch of magic that kids will love (and adults probably will, too).

I thought it was going to be an "Angelina Ballerina" type book. But I was really attracted to the painting on the cover, and it was only 30 cents at the thrift store, so what the heck.

It was -- rather amazing.

I'm still trying to figure out exactly how the author pulled it off. She has all the traditional elements of the romantic fairy tale -- the remote, timeless area, the handsome prince, the palace, the ball gown, etc. Yet this story isn't like that at all, nor does it spoof those stories. It isn't a book for those who want to hop on the hot purple plastic Disney princess bandwagon, but it also isn't for the underhanded anti-princess crowd who wants to make fun of the whole thing. It's just good, plain and simple, a well-crafted, engaging story that in its small way embraces the good, the true, and the beautiful.

Miri is one of the best heroines of YA fiction I've ever encountered -- smart but vulnerable, feisty but insecure, witty but clumsy, strong but delicate, brave but tenderhearted. She's a damned nice girl. I like her. I would like to be friends with her. I believe in her; she's real.

The idea of becoming a princess is so delicately and beautifully explored in this novel. Never once is it made out to be about clothes or trappings -- it's more about the training of the mind and will. Despite the lack of any superficial resemblance, I'm reminded of the wonderful Frances Hodgson Burnett novel "A Little Princess" in this respect, a novel where "being a princess" has nothing to do with being fancily dressed and getting one's way, but everything to do with disciplining the will and looking out for others.

The spare, sensitive style is good, the characters believable, the ending just surprising enough, and the inner life of the novel is sheer poetry.

Unfortunately, Princess Academy is one of those books for which my enjoyment suffered because of the format I chose. Now, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy Princess Academy, I most certainly did, but I would also almost certainly have enjoyed it more had I read it. The audiobook of Princess Academy was produced by Full Cast Audio, and like their name, they use a full cast to read their books. Instead of a book narrated from different perspectives using various narrators (which I am fine with), Princess Academy had a main narrator for the text, and then each character had a different cast member voicing them. The main narrator, Laura Credidio was fine, but I was uncomfortable with the structure of the dialog. I've never listened to a book like this, and was trying to push myself out of my comfort zone. It wasn't terrible, but I'm happy to retreat back to what I know I like.

I think where the full cast structure hit me most, was in my ability to like Miri. The girl doing her dialog made her come across as very whiny. As such, I wasn't really able to root for her the way I normally would such a character. I did think that most of the other voice actors did a good job, this was just clearly not the format for me.

Princess Academy was a very cute and touching non-traditional fairy tale type story. It was funny, when I picked it up, I was actually thinking that the premise sounded a bit like the forthcoming book The Selection. However, Princess Academy panned out nothing like The Bachelor, for which I was quite grateful. I loved that the academy gave these girls a chance to come into their own, and find meaning and purpose in their lives beyond what they had expected or what was planned out for the girl selected for marriage by the prince. In fact, the prince was such a menial part of this story, it was very little romance and a lot of girl power!

The girls, Miri in particular, show their ingenuity by applying the facts and information they learn at the academy to better the lives of their townspeople, and their own lives in learning. The magical element in Princess Academy, quarry speak, is so unique and wonderful I absolutely loved it. The concept was that workers in the quarry had this method of communicating non-verbally with one another to invoke memories that elicited messages or warnings. Miri, who has never worked in the quarry, has felt as if she were lacking and not really a part of her community. With determination and perseverance she is able to better understand and manipulate quarry speak, allowing it to play an important roll throughout the girls' story.

Princess Academy was a charming story about finding one's place, following one's heart, and the power of relationships. Certainly a recommended read, and surely an enjoyable audiobook for those who don't mind this unique narrative structure. Maybe it's better for kids who might otherwise have a difficult time keeping the characters strait by voice? I'm not sure.

The story was more grown up in this second installment of the Princess Academy. Palace of Stone deals with more issues that usually involve adults like marriage and revolution. What made this revolution story unique was that it was started by a girl who could see both sides. Most of the revolution stories I've read have been about the little guys trying to overthrow those in power like Les Miserables and The Hunger Games. It was interesting to wonder how she was going to work this revolution out with one foot in each world.

I loved getting to see all of these wonderful characters again. Miri is very easy to relate to. I liked Peder, but I would have smacked him over the head if he had been in the same room as me at the end.

I loved learning more about the history of Mount Eskel. The world of the lowlands was fun to explore. It seemed colorful and a little magical and it reminded me of the world from the Disney movie, Tangled.

I liked how the magic was expanded on in this book. It answered a few questions I had about the importance of linder, the stone that is quarried on Mount Eskel, and if there was more to it. There is and it was fun to discover!

Princess Academy could easily stand on it's own, yet you can see how the happy ending from the first book might not work out and last. That made it even more fun to read this sequel.

Overall, it was a unique view on revolution that expands on the magic and the world that kids and adults would love.

Miri's story didn't leave Shannon Hale, so she wrote a sequel. Yay! I adored Princess Academy and its sweet ending. Much more than that, I love Shannon Hale's writing and decided to place my trust in her and read this as a separate book with the power to stand on its own. I'm delighted to say that I love this book in its own way.

Miri is still in the process of growing up. While the Princess Academy has educated her and she threw a revolution of sorts at Mount Eskel when she convinced the villagers to demand fair trade for the linder that they quarry, she is still a teenage girl and human. Her emotions are conflicted. Since Peder kissed her cheek, making his feelings for her clear, they haven't had any romantic encounters. Girls are getting betrothed back home, but they haven't had any progress in their relationship.

When some of the girls of Princess Academy go down to Asland to help Britta prepare for her wedding, Miri also pursues a further education, and Peder goes with them for an apprenticeship as a stone cutter. The girls learn about many things that have evaded Mount Eskel for centuries. The girls pursue their various interests, and Miri learns more about life in Asland. At the academy, Miri meets a young man involved with a revolution that is sparking in Asland, and he introduces her to people working at the heart of it. His interest and attention to her gives her tingles and almost makes up for Peder's detachment; however, she still cannot forget the boy she grew up with.

I wasn't happy with Miri's actions for much of the book. She gets in much trouble with her inconsistency and indecision. However, she's a teenage girl upon whom much burden and hopes are placed. Everyone believes that she can come up with a solution to their woes, and she doesn't believe she can live up to their expectations. It is in Asland that Miri first encounters the idea of Ethics and finds herself troubling over an ethical issue, as she considers the problem of who Mount Eskel should side with (the revolutionaries or the crown) with the newly made province's may lose its new wealth.

Over the course of the novel, Miri learns more about herself and who she wants to be. Revolution, love, and questions of morality come together in Palace of Stone as the girls of Mount Eskel bring change to the kingdom of Asland. I would recommend this quaint and inspiring book to fantasy readers of all ages.

Last week, I reread Princess Academy in preparation for finally getting to the long-awaited sequel. Since Princess Academy ranks amongst my favorite books and since I always thought Princess Academy was a standalone, I embarked on Palace of Stone with trepidation. Often, much-belated, perhaps unintended, sequels disappoint, coming nowhere near the power of the original book, which would have been much better off left as a single, complete unit. Admittedly, Palace of Stone does not rise to the heights of its predecessor, I am still glad to have it and am excited that at least one more book of Miri's adventures will be coming.

As ever, Shannon Hale's writing is a treat. Writing style, of course, is such a subjective qualification. Hale's writing has a sort of weighted simplicity that I really admire. I can sort of sense how much thought she put into her word choices, into the compositions of the snatches of song, to make them just right. While most of the sentences are not especially complex, they are not at all haphazardly thrown together.

Shannon said that this book can be read independently of Princess Academy. That's true, I suppose, but I really would recommend that course of action. For one thing, Princess Academy is amazing, and why would you read the slightly less awesome second book in the series and not the book that started it at all. That would be silly, and not just because reading books out of series order offends my sensibilities.

Based on this statement that Palace of Stone can stand alone, I really expected this book to follow a different Mount Eskel girl, though I didn't really have a plan in mind as to which of them it would be (obviously, I didn't read the description at all). However, that is not the case at all. Miri is again our intrepid heroine. She remains clever, determined and full of good humor, and the best choice for a heroine. She spends more time in Palace of Stone downhearted, though, less sure of herself than she was in Princess Academy.

In this book, Shannon introduces a love triangle, which serves as a metaphor for Miri's concerns about her future. Peder represents Mount Eskel, solid, reliable and comfortable; Timon, a fellow student, represents a possible future in Asland, studying and adventuring. I saw the love triangle less as being about the boys themselves than about her indecision about what she wants her life to be. Does she want to stay in the city or to return to Mount Eskel? Hale handled this rather deftly, although I thought the final conclusion of it a bit oversimplified and too black and white.

What I found frustrating about Palace of Stone that lowered my rating was that I felt that Hale got a bit too lecture-y. As she mentions in the book, rhetoric dictates that it is better to tell a story to teach than to lecture. That, obviously, is what she's trying to do, but the lesson underneath is too apparent. The plot of Palace of Stone deals with the impending revolution. As such, there are many discussions of ethics and monarchy and such. They all just seemed a bit over the top and forced. They could have been worked in more naturally, shown more rather than told.

Part of that stems from the fact that the driving force of the plot is Katar's request that Miri help her figure out which side Mount Eskel should back in this political minefield. Should they side with King Bjorn and the nobles or with the 'shoeless,' the commoners? Katar presents this as something crucial that needs to be resolved immediately. Miri duly agrees to go sniff around and learn what she can, and gets involved with a revolutionary group. Through all of this, she never reports back with anything at all substantial to Katar. Thought it was imperative that Mount Eskel choose a side posthaste, Miri doesn't give Katar a plan until almost a year later. Hale's attempt to establish a sense of urgency and Miri's reaction made me seriously frustrated, and that diminished my liking for Miri a bit.

I realize that got a bit ranty. I still quite enjoyed Palace of Stone, but I just didn't feel like it lived up to Princess Academy. If you enjoyed PA, though, I recommend reading this one anyway. If you haven't read PA, go do that.

On the surface, Princess Academy seems a silly tale, a story of a Prince choosing a bride, an obvious read-a-like for Kiera Cass' The Selection. Of course, that is the crux of the story: the prince of Danland is to choose his bride from among the twenty girls of the proper age in Mount Eskel, a small territory town full of quarriers. The girls are required to spend a year in training for the Prince's coming. However, Princess Academy is so much more than that, and you would be a fool to pass it by because of that expectation.

The covers given to Shannon Hale's books market to middle grade readers, which I think is a shame. While middle graders could certainly read this book and enjoy it, so too can teens and adults. There is nothing childish about Hale's writing or the stories she tells. They are, however, free of swearing and sex, which might age them in the eyes of publishers. These books are not just for young folks.

When I saw Shannon Hale in person, she spoke to her motivations in becoming a writer for young people. She talked about how much reading meant to her as a child, and how she loved the stories of journeys. She compared that to all of the literary classics she was made to read in college, beautifully composed, but lacking in plot and story. As an author, she aims to compose books that do both, that can be both quality literature and entirely fun to read, told in a classic story arc. To my mind, she succeeds beautifully.

One of the largest themes of Princess Academy is that of class. Those in Mount Eskel live far from the rest of Danland. They have their own customs and interests. Their sole source of income is from the mining of linder, the best building stone in the land. Only in Mount Eskel can linder be found, and those that live there build their lives around it. They even have their own form of speech for use within the quarry, which is so loud normal conversation cannot be used. Quarry-speech constitutes the only truly fantastical element of Princess Academy. This ability feels magical and wondrous, and I commend Shannon for devising it.

Despite their unique skills, those in Mount Eskel are looked down upon by the lowlanders, the traders that come through town. Seen as stupid blue collar workers, the mountain people get no respect. As such, they have just as little affection for the lowlanders, viewing them solely as hateful people out to mess with hardworking citizens. These tensions can be felt in any society, the gap between the wealthy and the poor.

In the Princess Academy, the possible princesses get an opportunity no Mount Eskel person has ever had before: the chance to obtain a traditional education. In Mount Eskel, the learning always ran to the mining of Linder, and other skills necessary to survive on the mountain. No one in the town knew how to read or much of anything about the history of their country. Princess Academy points to the value in book learning and of language, but also indicates the power and beauty of the work of the miners. Both are important, and learning can improve anyone and any profession.

Miri, our heroine, is a tiny girl, not strong enough to mine linder, who does not really fit in. Perhaps the most important theme of the book is about realizing one's own strengths. While Miri may have no physical strength, her extraordinary cleverness helps her and others through life. Even that, though, might not be her largest contribution. Miri has a wonderful attitude and the ability to make others laugh. She excels in finding common ground with others, in creating friendships. This makes her such a wonderful, touching heroine.

The other girls, too, have real personalities. Unlike The Selection, in which only a couple of girls receive much notice, Shannon manages in this short book, to make sure that we have a good sense for quite a few of the girls. She gives even the most annoying ones a real sense of self, and attributes them with motivations for acting the way they do. In fact, even the evil school marm, who reminds me quite a bit of Umbridge in her disdain for the students and draconian punishments, is not simply a figure of evil. Shannon develops fascinating, lovable, flawed characters.

The romance, which I just have to comment on, is so well done. Shannon does not go for the easiest and most obvious routes. Her books always make me feel and give me butterflies of happiness when the couples finally get together. She manages to make me swoon without even writing in a kissing scene. This, my friends, is true skill.

This was my second read through Princess Academy and I love it every bit as much as I did on my first time through. Shannon is one of my favorite authors for a reason.

Full review on Reader's Dialogue: [...]

Miri, as we already know, is a strong, opinionated character. It's great to see her falter in her opinions, to really have to stop and grapple with things. She has that same can-do attitude as in the first book, but nothing is as clear-cut as it was back then. And she realizes more and more that her actions can have devastating or liberating effects - sometimes both, and she has to know which one is more important.

I love the way everything is resolved. The solution is classic Miri, when she finally sees things clearly and knows which side to be on. The way all the characters get in on it (well, almost all..) adds to the sweeping quality of the resolution, but we're still kept breathless until it really all succeeds, with many twists along the way to pose obstacles to the girls' plans.

That's something I love about this book, also. It's not a clear rise and fall, things get worse and then they get better. It's a roller-coaster. Things appear to be starting to move forward, and then suddenly they're all back to square one and have to start over, or they come across new information that changes the way they see things and they try desperately to turn back the tide of what their actions started. It's a great journey to be on!

This is the sequel to Princess Academy, a book I really loved (though I haven't read it in a long time. Perhaps I'll reread it soon.) In Palace of Stone, Miri comes down from Mount Eskel to visit her friend and princess-to-be Britta. But as she soon discovers, things are far more complicated than she realized. The poor of the country, "the shoeless" have had enough oppression and poverty. They want to rise up against the royals. Miri is excited by this idea when she realizes how many people in the lands are starving. But, as she discovers, that could mean killing her friend Britta, and the prince and king and queen. Miri struggles with who to believe in.

There were a lot of interesting concepts tackled in this book, which I received from Bloomsbury USA. The questions of literacy, education, ethics, and class are all raised. Good analogies and sayings are used in the book to illustrate points. In some ways, what the revolutionaries are proposing during the book sounds like it has the potential to turn into the French Revolution, with senseless killing. On the other hand, if you don't get rid of the king and queen and let them live, they may come back and take over again. It's quite a dilemma.

I was somewhat frustrated with Miri at times. She is kind of naive and believes that Ethics will tell her what she needs to do. But that's because she has grown up on the isolated mountain of Eskel, and only recently has discovered the outside world. It's understandable.

Of course, there is a love triangle. There always is one, isn't there? Peder has been her life-long friend and she has always loved him. But she meets Timon, a scholar and revolutionary, who is also in love with her. In other words, Miri has a lot of challenges to face.

I loved this one, and it was just as good as Princess Academy. In fact, it tackled more issues. And it motivated me to reread Princess Academy. I would recommend this to all fans of Shannon Hale's other books (The Goose Girl, Enna Burning, etc.)

All of my reviews can be read at my blog [...]

Princess Academy was always my favorite Shannon Hale novel (The Goose Girl was a close second). So when I discovered that Hale was going to publish a sequel, I. Squealed.

PLOT:
Now that Miri's friend Britta has become the new princess, she has invited Miri and the other academy girls to the capital of Danland to see her wedding. Miri is not only excited to see the lowlands but also scared to leave behind Mount Eskel for those few months. And when she reaches her destination, she enters the Queen's Castle, a prestigious academy for scholars where she meets another boy (who may become Peder's rival for Miri's heart) and she can learn even more. And learn she does--because she discovers that there is revolution brewing in the streets of Asland. People have been inspired by Miri's own little revolution in Mount Eskel, and they are silently planning to overthrow the king himself.

Throughout the novel there is a recurring theme of old vs. new. Miri has the toughest decisions in attempting to decide between Mount Eskel and the capital, between Peder and a new crush, and between her loyalty to Britta and the allure of the revolution. I thought this was ingenious of Shannon Hale, especially since indecision is relevant to all of us. Both sides tug at her heart, and she has no idea what she should choose.

I'll admit that I had an idea of what she would choose in the end (I was rooting for that side, after all), but the novel was not predictable. At all. (Well, minus the fact that I figured out who was the "new crush" when I first met him.)

I'm sad to say that there's less of a focus on linder magic in Palace of Stone, but there is a little magic mystery that would make any fantasy lovers happy.

The romance in this novel was TOO adorable. I don't want to give anything away, but I completely kyaaa-ed when [insert name] [insert action] Miri. I'm a long diehard fan of that couple, so I was a bit annoyed when Shannon Hale thrust them apart for a while (bleh, why must they both be too busy for each other at times?) but I was satisfied in the end. (Aw[...])

CHARACTER:
I love how in Princess Academy, Miri learned to become book-smart, but in this book, Miri learned how to become street-smart. The concept of revolution has really changed her perspective on what she thought was the norm, but her loyalty to Britta keeps her anchored. I've always thought of Miri as a strong girl, and seeing her crumble like this at times made me a little sad--but I was proud of her in the end because she finally figured out her own way to solve her problems.

WRITING STYLE:
Shannon Hale's writing is exceptional. Though the description and diction isn't particularly incredible, Hale's style of writing seems almost magical. It evokes the idea of a fairytale--which certainly came in handy when she wrote her Books of Bayern series. Her writing is fluid and distinctive, and it wraps the story up in a pretty red bow.

Overall, Palace of Stone is one of Shannon Hale's best works. The beautiful writing wraps the intriguing plot and the likable characters into a superb, thought-provoking work of art. Simply phenomenal.

Source: Galley received from publisher for review

The Cover: The cover of Princess Academy 2 is significantly different than the first book. With the first Princess Academy book, the cover was hand drawn and looked much like the folk art that would have represented the people in this story well. This cover is lovely, but a little boring. I loved the folk art feel of the first book, and I am slightly disappointed that they chose to go to the "pretty girl in a dress with a disinterested look on her face" route.

The Characters: Miri is the same character that she was in the first book. She is trying hard to learn everything the world has to offer, and in this case, living in Asland- Miri's opportunities increase greatly. I found her to be bold at some point and incredibly niave in others. She was all over the place! This was entirely fitting for what she was experiencing in the story. Timon's character was eh to me. I felt immediately how that relationship was going to turn out, and was glad it turned out the way I had hoped. I felt Peder's character was a little flat. Miri is absolutely the dominant person in this relationship (which is similar to the first book).

The Story: I really love Shannon Hale's writing. I thought that I would struggle remembering the story and characters since it has been years since I read Princess Academy, but I found myself immediately drawn in and remembering the first book. Shannon does characters extremely well, and she has a way of making books seem exciting and enticing even when there really isn't a great deal of action. Most of the "violent" action doesn't really occur until the last 100 pages of the book. The first two hundred pages are mainly talking and observing. It didn't feel like a slow book, however. I honestly don't know anyone who has read a Shannon Hale book and disliked it. This book will fit nicely into the collection of the author's other books.

After all the books I have read, I think "Princess Academy" just became one of my favourite books! It has such vivid language describing a 14 year girl names Miri. She lives on Mount Eskel with everyone else, though one day, the lowlanders came to retrieve all girl from ages 12 to 17. They were elected to present themselves to the prince of Danland. And because of that, they needed to attend the princess academy to learn how to present themselves. First Miri was disliked by others but soon, she bonded with the other girls aand they all really enjoyed being with her. They had many ups and downs and in the end, I won't te you who got chosen, but Miri finally found true happiness.

Miri has known no other life than of Mount Eskel. A simple but fulfilling life in these mountains only got better when their little village was divined to be the home of the future princess of Asland.

After spending time learning at the Princess Academy, Miri ventures into an even more challenging experience than before. She, along with a handful of girls, and Peder, are set to go to the city and help Britta (the chosen princess) to prepare for her wedding.

With the overwhelming life in the city, Miri is torn between a new and brighter world, and the comfort and security of her old life...

Shannon Hale truly is one of the best in creating fairy tales. As much as I thought I enjoyed Princess Academy, I didn't expect the kind of change Palace of Stone presented readers with.

I found Miri relatable when it comes to, somewhat, a career growth. Before the academy was set up, Miri had known nothing more than to tend to goats and do house chores. Once she learned to read, write and discover means of making life in Mount Eskel much better for everyone, the possibilities for greater things seemed endless. Having the chance to be a scholar in the city, who would think twice about it? Here lies in the thought of succeeding and yet never forgetting where you once came from; staying grounded in spite of all the many privileges you gain through your accomplishments.

I kind of feel that Miri isn't the same girl I met from Princess Academy. She changed quite a lot. I guess I can't blame her given that she's experiencing an entirely different world. There's the feeling of being out of place, trying to fit in, meeting new people, learning new things... it's a lot to take in. And I guess Miri is simply confused most of the time.

I don't understand the need for another guy to be in Miri's life though. I mean Miri already likes Peder, even though he wasn't exposed much from the first book but I think it's already fitting that they belong together. The girl is already swamped with all these new things, not to mention a sort of culture-shock, but you have to let her feel a sense of infatuation to top it all of? Poor girl. I just wish I could've seen more Peder-Miri moments than see Miri ogle over Timon. He just came out very manipulative.

Palace of Stone really took a whole other leap from Princess Academy. But the question is, was it a good or bad change? I'd have to say it would be in between. The change was good and fresh but it didn't come out extremely exciting. If you are planning to read this book [and Princess Academy], be forewarned that these books really are set for a younger audience. If you're a more mature person and you're not used to this kind of writing approach, you'll probably find this a bit shallow.

Since I'm accustomed to Hale's writing style, I was sort of prepared for what is installed, and the familiarity made me enjoy this book just as well.

Shannon Hale has done it again. I absolutely love love love this book. I love the characters and everything else. This story is about a strong, hardworking and kind hearted pheasant girl named Miri, that lives on a mountin (Mount Eskel) that is sent to this school called princess academy. Now don't let the word Princess fool you. There're are some dangers. Any way the princess academy is basically an organization that turn pheasant girls into girls who are fit to be a princess. At the very end the prince will choose a wife. If right now you are thinking oh well thats so easy, all you do is courtesy and attend to balls then think again. Miri and many others have to take lessons from speech and posture to the history of the world. If you do something that is forbidden you get hit in the palm of your hand with a ruler and sent into closet for quite a while. Miri gets sent into the closet and discovers the're are rats in there They are not there by coincidence they were just living there the person who sent Miri into the closet was terrified and Miri was stuck with them for a while. It was intense. Miri studies long and hard and sometimes takes books without permission, to study. Miri makes a few new friends, Gerti and Britta and stays with old friends like Esa and Frid. Now before the prince chooses his bride a ball takes place and all the students dance with the prince and then the prince chooses his princess. At the princess academy the person who does the best job and comes out with wonderful grades is the most "special" and gets to wear a really fancy dress. That person ends up being Miri. But right before the ball her friend Britta ends up getting physically getting sick and can't go to the ball. That is a big problem because the prince secretly knows her and likes her and doesn't tell anybody and when the prince doesn't see Britta he starts to freak out because he thought it would be easy if Britta was there because he would pick her and that would be that. So then prince leaves without someone as his bride and the girls have to do more work at the academy. Then something really intense happens. While the girls are doing work at the academy a band of murderous bandits break in in serch of the prince's bride and I can tell you they are not friendly so they are not we'll just say gentle to the people there. They demand to know who the new princess is and a bunch of girls say it is them. Then the bandits force them to stay at the school but Miri figures out away to let everyone go and sets everyone free, but not for long. The bandits catch up to them and they grab hold Miri and threaten to kill her Miri escapes and then gets caught again and the bandits still threatan to kill her. Miri stabs the bandit holding her with a clay hawk beak and then escapes, makes the bandit fall down the cliff and then the bandit grabs hold of her foot and Miri's Pa bangs him on the head really hard and the bandit falls and then the world is back at peace. Later the prince comes back and chooses Britta to be his wife and all the other girls get to go back home. This books is full of mixed feelings and is really just a spectacular read. I hope you enjoy/enjoyed the book. Don't forget to read the next one in the series "Palace of Stone". It's just as good as the first.

(3.5 stars) This is the sequel to the Princess Academy. Miri and several of the girls from who attended the Princess Academy on Mount Eskel are headed to the capital Asland to help Britta prepare for her marriage. Peder also joins them so he can apprentice with a stone cutter and learn more about carving. He plans to bring the skills back to Mount Eskel to help add value to the stone they quarry. The city, the ocean, and the differences in the style of life are initially overwhelming as is the wealth in the palace versus the poverty in the streets. Miri is lucky enough to attend the Queen's Castle school, and is torn between her yearnings for knowledge and her yearnings for home. As she learns about ethics, she gets a real world perspective of the haves and the have nots (the shoeless) and is pulled towards those seeking revolution by a fellow student, Timon, who also provides a romantic counterpoint to Peder. Miri must make some difficult choices as she tries to decide where her loyalties lie. I was a little unsure of this, as initially I could not think of a good way to continue the story from the prior book, but the author did a nice job by taking the characters in a new direction and a new setting. I appreciated the author's presentation of ethics and that she left some grey on both sides of the issues.

I loved the Princess Academy! I was really happy when Shannon wrote a sequel. I ended up really enjoying it, not as much as the first book, but it was still really good.

Things are unsettled in the capital of the country and in regards to the king and the way he rules. This is the setting that Miri and her friends step into as she comes down from her mountain to study at the Queen's Castle. She isn't quite sure what is going on and which side to choose. She has three different friends who are pulling her one way or another. She doesn't feel like she is important enough or smart enough to make a difference. Little does she know how important of a role she will end up playing.

I really loved Miri in the first book and I liked her, for the most part, in this one. I did get a little frustrated when I saw her making wrong choices, not being more guarded, being easily led and deceived, or not making decisions at all or talking to anyone about them. It did fit her background and experience in some ways. In other ways I felt she should have initially been more loyal to her friends. She has never been in the capital or been around so much nobility and the rules of the society are so very different from what she has ever experienced. She also is unsure of where her heart lies. Is she going to want to come back to the Queen's Castle, is she going to want to go home and marry her childhood friend who has become something more, or is there someone else for her?

This really, in a lot of ways, is a continuation of Miri coming of age and finding out who she really is or wants to be and just the learning pains of growing up. I was happy with what she does and decides in the end, which made struggling through the rough spots worth it.

If you enjoyed the first book, love reading Middle Grade, or love Shannon Hale, then I would definitely recommend reading this one.

Content: Clean

An outstanding sequel to Princess Academy which takes Miri's exploration of the meaning of life, education, friendship and love to the next level.

Miri leaves Mount Eskel and heads to the capital city to help her friend, the future princess Britta, prepare for her wedding. While there she has the opportunity to further her education at Queen's Castle University where she studies history and literature, rhetoric and philosophy, politics and even ethics.

The value of books and education features strongly in this book, as it did in Princess Academy; Miri says, "the weight of all she did not know felt like a boulder on her back." (109)

But Miri also tries to apply the theory she learns to the decisions she must make, and this gives rise to several important considerations which run like themes throughout the story.

First there is the need to read and learn from history: to see what has worked and why. History showed that a spur of the moment revolution did not succeed; while it offered a temporary feeling of strength in the power to reject the oppressing authority, it amounted to nothing the following day. Then she considers the ethics of revolution by force: it can be just when the demands on a people are unjust, but one must also recognise the danger of a fiery crowd and the ineffectiveness of revolt once it loses control. It takes a long personal struggle for Miri to recognise that in revolution, the best solutions do not come through force.

She returns again and again to one particular ethical question which was presented as an example at the university: If a building were burning and you had to choose between saving a convicted murderer or a beautiful painting, which would you save? Though it seems to be a decision about the value of a person--even a bad one--or a thing, Miri uses it to consider a different problem, relating it to her own dilemma about wanting to help her people through the revolution against the political injustice of the monarchy, but not wanting to hurt her friend who is soon to marry into the royal family. She wants to help both, and asks why, or perhaps whether, that is impossible.

Miri also experiences the complexity of truth. She learns the harm of broadcasting personal thoughts to the world, especially when they are taken out of context. She experiences difference between fighting political injustice in theory and seeing that fight focused on a particular person, especially when that person is her friend.

She learns that making ethical choices is not something that is always clear cut, but that ethics happens in the heart and in the head, and that one must study in order to make a good choice. Having studied, sought advice, and acted to the best of one's ability, she learns that it is better to make a choice that turns out to be wrong than to make no choice at all. She sums this up - rather simply - when she states "Truth is when your gut and your mind agree." (214)

On love and friendship, Miri learns that for love to be real it involves self-sacrifice, gratitude, negotiation and deep friendship. The relationships she develops in this book are deeper than in the first, but somehow they maintain a refreshing simplicity while still helping Miri to grow in wisdom.

The linder stone that connects some people's consciousness with another's is said to allow them to sense what the other person is feeling. This becomes a poignant symbol of the sensitivity to detect truth, justice, goodness and love in one's relations with other people. Miri's role is effectively to help people in authority to re-awaken their ability to determine what is right, learning to listen and detect, to reflect and then act upon it.

If only Hale's adult books could feature such wonderful characters and explore such great themes.

Princess Academy is just plain beautiful writing. The tone was bittersweet and slightly formal, which I loved. At the same time, it felt very much like a young girl narrating. I can see why this was a Newbery Honor book. I really don't know how she managed to do that. The descriptions of the characters immediately created an image in my head and aren't just a list of facts about them.

"Enrik!" Miri jogged to the trader she had dealt with for the past two years. He was lank and pale, and the way he looked down his thin nose at her reminded Miri of a bird that had gone too long without a grub.

-Shannon Hale, Princess Academy pg 24.

There are a lot of characters in this book. There were so many that I had to write a list of them to keep track! Each character comes with a distinct and interesting personality. Not all the girls at the Academy are nice. And their teacher, Olana, is like the offspring of Effie Trinket and Severus Snape. She was very entertaining and one of my favorite characters.

There is the barest hint of magic that shows the power of memories. I was not expecting magic in this book, and although there isn't much of it, it is delightful and fascinating.

The ending is quite the intense. I was glued to the book as these young girls showed true bravery.

Shannon Hale continues to amaze me at her ability to have a different style in each of her books. I was pleasantly surprised by this book - it was not the light and fluffy read I thought it would be, but I could still see it appealing to kids.

Overall, it was a beautifully written book about bravery and friendship with the lightest touch of magic that kids will love (and adults probably will, too).

I thought it was going to be an "Angelina Ballerina" type book. But I was really attracted to the painting on the cover, and it was only 30 cents at the thrift store, so what the heck.

It was -- rather amazing.

I'm still trying to figure out exactly how the author pulled it off. She has all the traditional elements of the romantic fairy tale -- the remote, timeless area, the handsome prince, the palace, the ball gown, etc. Yet this story isn't like that at all, nor does it spoof those stories. It isn't a book for those who want to hop on the hot purple plastic Disney princess bandwagon, but it also isn't for the underhanded anti-princess crowd who wants to make fun of the whole thing. It's just good, plain and simple, a well-crafted, engaging story that in its small way embraces the good, the true, and the beautiful.

Miri is one of the best heroines of YA fiction I've ever encountered -- smart but vulnerable, feisty but insecure, witty but clumsy, strong but delicate, brave but tenderhearted. She's a damned nice girl. I like her. I would like to be friends with her. I believe in her; she's real.

The idea of becoming a princess is so delicately and beautifully explored in this novel. Never once is it made out to be about clothes or trappings -- it's more about the training of the mind and will. Despite the lack of any superficial resemblance, I'm reminded of the wonderful Frances Hodgson Burnett novel "A Little Princess" in this respect, a novel where "being a princess" has nothing to do with being fancily dressed and getting one's way, but everything to do with disciplining the will and looking out for others.

The spare, sensitive style is good, the characters believable, the ending just surprising enough, and the inner life of the novel is sheer poetry.

Unfortunately, Princess Academy is one of those books for which my enjoyment suffered because of the format I chose. Now, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy Princess Academy, I most certainly did, but I would also almost certainly have enjoyed it more had I read it. The audiobook of Princess Academy was produced by Full Cast Audio, and like their name, they use a full cast to read their books. Instead of a book narrated from different perspectives using various narrators (which I am fine with), Princess Academy had a main narrator for the text, and then each character had a different cast member voicing them. The main narrator, Laura Credidio was fine, but I was uncomfortable with the structure of the dialog. I've never listened to a book like this, and was trying to push myself out of my comfort zone. It wasn't terrible, but I'm happy to retreat back to what I know I like.

I think where the full cast structure hit me most, was in my ability to like Miri. The girl doing her dialog made her come across as very whiny. As such, I wasn't really able to root for her the way I normally would such a character. I did think that most of the other voice actors did a good job, this was just clearly not the format for me.

Princess Academy was a very cute and touching non-traditional fairy tale type story. It was funny, when I picked it up, I was actually thinking that the premise sounded a bit like the forthcoming book The Selection. However, Princess Academy panned out nothing like The Bachelor, for which I was quite grateful. I loved that the academy gave these girls a chance to come into their own, and find meaning and purpose in their lives beyond what they had expected or what was planned out for the girl selected for marriage by the prince. In fact, the prince was such a menial part of this story, it was very little romance and a lot of girl power!

The girls, Miri in particular, show their ingenuity by applying the facts and information they learn at the academy to better the lives of their townspeople, and their own lives in learning. The magical element in Princess Academy, quarry speak, is so unique and wonderful I absolutely loved it. The concept was that workers in the quarry had this method of communicating non-verbally with one another to invoke memories that elicited messages or warnings. Miri, who has never worked in the quarry, has felt as if she were lacking and not really a part of her community. With determination and perseverance she is able to better understand and manipulate quarry speak, allowing it to play an important roll throughout the girls' story.

Princess Academy was a charming story about finding one's place, following one's heart, and the power of relationships. Certainly a recommended read, and surely an enjoyable audiobook for those who don't mind this unique narrative structure. Maybe it's better for kids who might otherwise have a difficult time keeping the characters strait by voice? I'm not sure.

The story was more grown up in this second installment of the Princess Academy. Palace of Stone deals with more issues that usually involve adults like marriage and revolution. What made this revolution story unique was that it was started by a girl who could see both sides. Most of the revolution stories I've read have been about the little guys trying to overthrow those in power like Les Miserables and The Hunger Games. It was interesting to wonder how she was going to work this revolution out with one foot in each world.

I loved getting to see all of these wonderful characters again. Miri is very easy to relate to. I liked Peder, but I would have smacked him over the head if he had been in the same room as me at the end.

I loved learning more about the history of Mount Eskel. The world of the lowlands was fun to explore. It seemed colorful and a little magical and it reminded me of the world from the Disney movie, Tangled.

I liked how the magic was expanded on in this book. It answered a few questions I had about the importance of linder, the stone that is quarried on Mount Eskel, and if there was more to it. There is and it was fun to discover!

Princess Academy could easily stand on it's own, yet you can see how the happy ending from the first book might not work out and last. That made it even more fun to read this sequel.

Overall, it was a unique view on revolution that expands on the magic and the world that kids and adults would love.

Miri's story didn't leave Shannon Hale, so she wrote a sequel. Yay! I adored Princess Academy and its sweet ending. Much more than that, I love Shannon Hale's writing and decided to place my trust in her and read this as a separate book with the power to stand on its own. I'm delighted to say that I love this book in its own way.

Miri is still in the process of growing up. While the Princess Academy has educated her and she threw a revolution of sorts at Mount Eskel when she convinced the villagers to demand fair trade for the linder that they quarry, she is still a teenage girl and human. Her emotions are conflicted. Since Peder kissed her cheek, making his feelings for her clear, they haven't had any romantic encounters. Girls are getting betrothed back home, but they haven't had any progress in their relationship.

When some of the girls of Princess Academy go down to Asland to help Britta prepare for her wedding, Miri also pursues a further education, and Peder goes with them for an apprenticeship as a stone cutter. The girls learn about many things that have evaded Mount Eskel for centuries. The girls pursue their various interests, and Miri learns more about life in Asland. At the academy, Miri meets a young man involved with a revolution that is sparking in Asland, and he introduces her to people working at the heart of it. His interest and attention to her gives her tingles and almost makes up for Peder's detachment; however, she still cannot forget the boy she grew up with.

I wasn't happy with Miri's actions for much of the book. She gets in much trouble with her inconsistency and indecision. However, she's a teenage girl upon whom much burden and hopes are placed. Everyone believes that she can come up with a solution to their woes, and she doesn't believe she can live up to their expectations. It is in Asland that Miri first encounters the idea of Ethics and finds herself troubling over an ethical issue, as she considers the problem of who Mount Eskel should side with (the revolutionaries or the crown) with the newly made province's may lose its new wealth.

Over the course of the novel, Miri learns more about herself and who she wants to be. Revolution, love, and questions of morality come together in Palace of Stone as the girls of Mount Eskel bring change to the kingdom of Asland. I would recommend this quaint and inspiring book to fantasy readers of all ages.

Last week, I reread Princess Academy in preparation for finally getting to the long-awaited sequel. Since Princess Academy ranks amongst my favorite books and since I always thought Princess Academy was a standalone, I embarked on Palace of Stone with trepidation. Often, much-belated, perhaps unintended, sequels disappoint, coming nowhere near the power of the original book, which would have been much better off left as a single, complete unit. Admittedly, Palace of Stone does not rise to the heights of its predecessor, I am still glad to have it and am excited that at least one more book of Miri's adventures will be coming.

As ever, Shannon Hale's writing is a treat. Writing style, of course, is such a subjective qualification. Hale's writing has a sort of weighted simplicity that I really admire. I can sort of sense how much thought she put into her word choices, into the compositions of the snatches of song, to make them just right. While most of the sentences are not especially complex, they are not at all haphazardly thrown together.

Shannon said that this book can be read independently of Princess Academy. That's true, I suppose, but I really would recommend that course of action. For one thing, Princess Academy is amazing, and why would you read the slightly less awesome second book in the series and not the book that started it at all. That would be silly, and not just because reading books out of series order offends my sensibilities.

Based on this statement that Palace of Stone can stand alone, I really expected this book to follow a different Mount Eskel girl, though I didn't really have a plan in mind as to which of them it would be (obviously, I didn't read the description at all). However, that is not the case at all. Miri is again our intrepid heroine. She remains clever, determined and full of good humor, and the best choice for a heroine. She spends more time in Palace of Stone downhearted, though, less sure of herself than she was in Princess Academy.

In this book, Shannon introduces a love triangle, which serves as a metaphor for Miri's concerns about her future. Peder represents Mount Eskel, solid, reliable and comfortable; Timon, a fellow student, represents a possible future in Asland, studying and adventuring. I saw the love triangle less as being about the boys themselves than about her indecision about what she wants her life to be. Does she want to stay in the city or to return to Mount Eskel? Hale handled this rather deftly, although I thought the final conclusion of it a bit oversimplified and too black and white.

What I found frustrating about Palace of Stone that lowered my rating was that I felt that Hale got a bit too lecture-y. As she mentions in the book, rhetoric dictates that it is better to tell a story to teach than to lecture. That, obviously, is what she's trying to do, but the lesson underneath is too apparent. The plot of Palace of Stone deals with the impending revolution. As such, there are many discussions of ethics and monarchy and such. They all just seemed a bit over the top and forced. They could have been worked in more naturally, shown more rather than told.

Part of that stems from the fact that the driving force of the plot is Katar's request that Miri help her figure out which side Mount Eskel should back in this political minefield. Should they side with King Bjorn and the nobles or with the 'shoeless,' the commoners? Katar presents this as something crucial that needs to be resolved immediately. Miri duly agrees to go sniff around and learn what she can, and gets involved with a revolutionary group. Through all of this, she never reports back with anything at all substantial to Katar. Thought it was imperative that Mount Eskel choose a side posthaste, Miri doesn't give Katar a plan until almost a year later. Hale's attempt to establish a sense of urgency and Miri's reaction made me seriously frustrated, and that diminished my liking for Miri a bit.

I realize that got a bit ranty. I still quite enjoyed Palace of Stone, but I just didn't feel like it lived up to Princess Academy. If you enjoyed PA, though, I recommend reading this one anyway. If you haven't read PA, go do that.

On the surface, Princess Academy seems a silly tale, a story of a Prince choosing a bride, an obvious read-a-like for Kiera Cass' The Selection. Of course, that is the crux of the story: the prince of Danland is to choose his bride from among the twenty girls of the proper age in Mount Eskel, a small territory town full of quarriers. The girls are required to spend a year in training for the Prince's coming. However, Princess Academy is so much more than that, and you would be a fool to pass it by because of that expectation.

The covers given to Shannon Hale's books market to middle grade readers, which I think is a shame. While middle graders could certainly read this book and enjoy it, so too can teens and adults. There is nothing childish about Hale's writing or the stories she tells. They are, however, free of swearing and sex, which might age them in the eyes of publishers. These books are not just for young folks.

When I saw Shannon Hale in person, she spoke to her motivations in becoming a writer for young people. She talked about how much reading meant to her as a child, and how she loved the stories of journeys. She compared that to all of the literary classics she was made to read in college, beautifully composed, but lacking in plot and story. As an author, she aims to compose books that do both, that can be both quality literature and entirely fun to read, told in a classic story arc. To my mind, she succeeds beautifully.

One of the largest themes of Princess Academy is that of class. Those in Mount Eskel live far from the rest of Danland. They have their own customs and interests. Their sole source of income is from the mining of linder, the best building stone in the land. Only in Mount Eskel can linder be found, and those that live there build their lives around it. They even have their own form of speech for use within the quarry, which is so loud normal conversation cannot be used. Quarry-speech constitutes the only truly fantastical element of Princess Academy. This ability feels magical and wondrous, and I commend Shannon for devising it.

Despite their unique skills, those in Mount Eskel are looked down upon by the lowlanders, the traders that come through town. Seen as stupid blue collar workers, the mountain people get no respect. As such, they have just as little affection for the lowlanders, viewing them solely as hateful people out to mess with hardworking citizens. These tensions can be felt in any society, the gap between the wealthy and the poor.

In the Princess Academy, the possible princesses get an opportunity no Mount Eskel person has ever had before: the chance to obtain a traditional education. In Mount Eskel, the learning always ran to the mining of Linder, and other skills necessary to survive on the mountain. No one in the town knew how to read or much of anything about the history of their country. Princess Academy points to the value in book learning and of language, but also indicates the power and beauty of the work of the miners. Both are important, and learning can improve anyone and any profession.

Miri, our heroine, is a tiny girl, not strong enough to mine linder, who does not really fit in. Perhaps the most important theme of the book is about realizing one's own strengths. While Miri may have no physical strength, her extraordinary cleverness helps her and others through life. Even that, though, might not be her largest contribution. Miri has a wonderful attitude and the ability to make others laugh. She excels in finding common ground with others, in creating friendships. This makes her such a wonderful, touching heroine.

The other girls, too, have real personalities. Unlike The Selection, in which only a couple of girls receive much notice, Shannon manages in this short book, to make sure that we have a good sense for quite a few of the girls. She gives even the most annoying ones a real sense of self, and attributes them with motivations for acting the way they do. In fact, even the evil school marm, who reminds me quite a bit of Umbridge in her disdain for the students and draconian punishments, is not simply a figure of evil. Shannon develops fascinating, lovable, flawed characters.

The romance, which I just have to comment on, is so well done. Shannon does not go for the easiest and most obvious routes. Her books always make me feel and give me butterflies of happiness when the couples finally get together. She manages to make me swoon without even writing in a kissing scene. This, my friends, is true skill.

This was my second read through Princess Academy and I love it every bit as much as I did on my first time through. Shannon is one of my favorite authors for a reason.

Ah..... Princess Academy came out in 2007. And won the Newberry. It's been too long since I first met Miri and her beloved mountain. I rave about it every chance I get. The content is appropriate for middle grade, but the writing style is delicious at every age. Which is rare. And amazing.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Palace of Stone. The writing is like snuggling down into a huge pile of feathers and getting lost in the softness until you don't know which way's up.

I highlighted all over my Nook copy...
She felt night-blind and afraid, as if walking a path that might lead to sheer cliff and empty air. Pg 13
The lowlander traders always went on as if the ocean were the most wondrous thing in the world and the Eskalites were fools for living so far from its glory. But it was just a flat, lifeless sky. Pg. 18
Miri did not want the moment to end. She felt tall and strong, as if she and this mob would move together like a giant, striking down any obstacles, remaking the whole world. Pg. 97
They both stared. Neither ran.... And Miri understood the impulse to kiss the lips that laughed. Pg. 116
His promises felt as real as paper in her hands, just awaiting the ink strokes of action. Pg. 141
Letter writing was a lot like quarry-speaking - a soundless call from far away. Would Marda have similar enough memories to understand what Miri was trying to say? Pg. 146
She smiled to show he was correct, but it slid off her lips too quickly. Pg 174
She touched the wood. It was not as polished and well oiled as the Mount Eskel chapel doors. And perhaps not as well loved. With so many things to look at in Asland, who cared enough to love these doors? Pg. 203
History was as hard to hold as a wet fish. Pg. 279
Miri shook her head. "An idea is like a fire under ice. You can try to put out the fire, but the melting has already begun."
"Who made up that saying?" Frid asked. "Doter?"
"Um, no," said Miri. "Just me."
"It's pretty good," Frid said, squinting. "But I don't understand why there would be fire under ice. And Doter's sayings are shorter." Pg. 281

Throughout the story, Miri thinks about a painting of a girl pouring milk while looking out a window at a moon. As Miri changes, she sees changes in this girl, and I love this insight into Miri's heart when she doesn't know how she feels. I haven't shared any quotes about this painting, although I love every reference. They would give some of the story away, which I'm not gonna do!

The story is told from Miri's point of view, but there are many characters with depth and they are all so different, so fun. Peder is in town and Miri is shy around him because he hesitates to speak up for her, although she thinks he likes her. Timon is so full of ideas and secrets. He represents possibilities she never knew existed before. Britta has to prove herself all over again and she needs to come out purer than pure, but she's so shy! I love Frid. Like all the Mount Eskal girls, she has mountain dust in her blood. She speaks her mind so refreshingly! Sisela has heart and passion, but what really motivates her revolutionary support? The king and queen seem like awkward decorations at first, but even they reveal reasons behind their blank expressions and harsh responses so that I'm cheering them on by the end. And always, Mount Eskel and its Linder stone permeate everything with such a strong pull I seriously LONG to go see that mountain!!!!

My Rating: 4.5 - Great book!

The romance is hesitant and hopeful. The revolution feels historically close to what a revolution would be like. The details are just quick enough to draw me into the drama, but not bog down in history. The dangers are real and the responses all realistic. The writing is outstanding. Miri is wonderful - and so unique. If I heard her talking in any story anywhere, I would recognize her. I could swear Mount Eskel exists. It's not enough to visit, either... I want to live another life so I can grow up there, please!

Full review on Reader's Dialogue: [...]

Miri, as we already know, is a strong, opinionated character. It's great to see her falter in her opinions, to really have to stop and grapple with things. She has that same can-do attitude as in the first book, but nothing is as clear-cut as it was back then. And she realizes more and more that her actions can have devastating or liberating effects - sometimes both, and she has to know which one is more important.

I love the way everything is resolved. The solution is classic Miri, when she finally sees things clearly and knows which side to be on. The way all the characters get in on it (well, almost all..) adds to the sweeping quality of the resolution, but we're still kept breathless until it really all succeeds, with many twists along the way to pose obstacles to the girls' plans.

That's something I love about this book, also. It's not a clear rise and fall, things get worse and then they get better. It's a roller-coaster. Things appear to be starting to move forward, and then suddenly they're all back to square one and have to start over, or they come across new information that changes the way they see things and they try desperately to turn back the tide of what their actions started. It's a great journey to be on!

This is the sequel to Princess Academy, a book I really loved (though I haven't read it in a long time. Perhaps I'll reread it soon.) In Palace of Stone, Miri comes down from Mount Eskel to visit her friend and princess-to-be Britta. But as she soon discovers, things are far more complicated than she realized. The poor of the country, "the shoeless" have had enough oppression and poverty. They want to rise up against the royals. Miri is excited by this idea when she realizes how many people in the lands are starving. But, as she discovers, that could mean killing her friend Britta, and the prince and king and queen. Miri struggles with who to believe in.

There were a lot of interesting concepts tackled in this book, which I received from Bloomsbury USA. The questions of literacy, education, ethics, and class are all raised. Good analogies and sayings are used in the book to illustrate points. In some ways, what the revolutionaries are proposing during the book sounds like it has the potential to turn into the French Revolution, with senseless killing. On the other hand, if you don't get rid of the king and queen and let them live, they may come back and take over again. It's quite a dilemma.

I was somewhat frustrated with Miri at times. She is kind of naive and believes that Ethics will tell her what she needs to do. But that's because she has grown up on the isolated mountain of Eskel, and only recently has discovered the outside world. It's understandable.

Of course, there is a love triangle. There always is one, isn't there? Peder has been her life-long friend and she has always loved him. But she meets Timon, a scholar and revolutionary, who is also in love with her. In other words, Miri has a lot of challenges to face.

I loved this one, and it was just as good as Princess Academy. In fact, it tackled more issues. And it motivated me to reread Princess Academy. I would recommend this to all fans of Shannon Hale's other books (The Goose Girl, Enna Burning, etc.)

All of my reviews can be read at my blog [...]

Princess Academy was always my favorite Shannon Hale novel (The Goose Girl was a close second). So when I discovered that Hale was going to publish a sequel, I. Squealed.

PLOT:
Now that Miri's friend Britta has become the new princess, she has invited Miri and the other academy girls to the capital of Danland to see her wedding. Miri is not only excited to see the lowlands but also scared to leave behind Mount Eskel for those few months. And when she reaches her destination, she enters the Queen's Castle, a prestigious academy for scholars where she meets another boy (who may become Peder's rival for Miri's heart) and she can learn even more. And learn she does--because she discovers that there is revolution brewing in the streets of Asland. People have been inspired by Miri's own little revolution in Mount Eskel, and they are silently planning to overthrow the king himself.

Throughout the novel there is a recurring theme of old vs. new. Miri has the toughest decisions in attempting to decide between Mount Eskel and the capital, between Peder and a new crush, and between her loyalty to Britta and the allure of the revolution. I thought this was ingenious of Shannon Hale, especially since indecision is relevant to all of us. Both sides tug at her heart, and she has no idea what she should choose.

I'll admit that I had an idea of what she would choose in the end (I was rooting for that side, after all), but the novel was not predictable. At all. (Well, minus the fact that I figured out who was the "new crush" when I first met him.)

I'm sad to say that there's less of a focus on linder magic in Palace of Stone, but there is a little magic mystery that would make any fantasy lovers happy.

The romance in this novel was TOO adorable. I don't want to give anything away, but I completely kyaaa-ed when [insert name] [insert action] Miri. I'm a long diehard fan of that couple, so I was a bit annoyed when Shannon Hale thrust them apart for a while (bleh, why must they both be too busy for each other at times?) but I was satisfied in the end. (Aw[...])

CHARACTER:
I love how in Princess Academy, Miri learned to become book-smart, but in this book, Miri learned how to become street-smart. The concept of revolution has really changed her perspective on what she thought was the norm, but her loyalty to Britta keeps her anchored. I've always thought of Miri as a strong girl, and seeing her crumble like this at times made me a little sad--but I was proud of her in the end because she finally figured out her own way to solve her problems.

WRITING STYLE:
Shannon Hale's writing is exceptional. Though the description and diction isn't particularly incredible, Hale's style of writing seems almost magical. It evokes the idea of a fairytale--which certainly came in handy when she wrote her Books of Bayern series. Her writing is fluid and distinctive, and it wraps the story up in a pretty red bow.

Overall, Palace of Stone is one of Shannon Hale's best works. The beautiful writing wraps the intriguing plot and the likable characters into a superb, thought-provoking work of art. Simply phenomenal.

Source: Galley received from publisher for review

The Cover: The cover of Princess Academy 2 is significantly different than the first book. With the first Princess Academy book, the cover was hand drawn and looked much like the folk art that would have represented the people in this story well. This cover is lovely, but a little boring. I loved the folk art feel of the first book, and I am slightly disappointed that they chose to go to the "pretty girl in a dress with a disinterested look on her face" route.

The Characters: Miri is the same character that she was in the first book. She is trying hard to learn everything the world has to offer, and in this case, living in Asland- Miri's opportunities increase greatly. I found her to be bold at some point and incredibly niave in others. She was all over the place! This was entirely fitting for what she was experiencing in the story. Timon's character was eh to me. I felt immediately how that relationship was going to turn out, and was glad it turned out the way I had hoped. I felt Peder's character was a little flat. Miri is absolutely the dominant person in this relationship (which is similar to the first book).

The Story: I really love Shannon Hale's writing. I thought that I would struggle remembering the story and characters since it has been years since I read Princess Academy, but I found myself immediately drawn in and remembering the first book. Shannon does characters extremely well, and she has a way of making books seem exciting and enticing even when there really isn't a great deal of action. Most of the "violent" action doesn't really occur until the last 100 pages of the book. The first two hundred pages are mainly talking and observing. It didn't feel like a slow book, however. I honestly don't know anyone who has read a Shannon Hale book and disliked it. This book will fit nicely into the collection of the author's other books.

After all the books I have read, I think "Princess Academy" just became one of my favourite books! It has such vivid language describing a 14 year girl names Miri. She lives on Mount Eskel with everyone else, though one day, the lowlanders came to retrieve all girl from ages 12 to 17. They were elected to present themselves to the prince of Danland. And because of that, they needed to attend the princess academy to learn how to present themselves. First Miri was disliked by others but soon, she bonded with the other girls aand they all really enjoyed being with her. They had many ups and downs and in the end, I won't te you who got chosen, but Miri finally found true happiness.

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The title gives the impression that it's about a bunch of silly princesses. In reality, it's about a group of girls chosen from a small, poverty stricken village who have to attend a finishing school after the priests decide the next princess will be chosen from their village. I really enjoyed Shannon Hale's writing style and think my daughter will love this book in a year or two.

Wow. Simply wow. I LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down once I started and I am so excited that the publishing date is finally here because now I can shout from the rooftops about how amazing this book is and people can buy it starting tomorrow!

It's been several years since I've read the first book, Princess Academy. I didn't think I would be able to remember everything when starting this book, but Hale does an exceptional job of catching her readers up and connecting the two books together seamlessly. I don't like it when authors over do it on the reminding readers of what happened in the previous book. I hate it when a TV show takes a commercial break and when you get back to the show, the actors just say the same exact lines over again. Hale does it naturally and effortlessly. I didn't feel like I was forgetting anything even though it's been such a long time.

Miri is such a wonderful character for young girls and boys. She is intelligent, brave and isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in, but she's also vulnerable and is conflicted by the decision to continue her education at the cost of being away from her family. In Palace of Stone, we find Miri leaving her home at Mount Eskel to go to school at the Queen's Castle, but when she arrives there she discovers there is unrest in the kingdom.

Hale is such a masterful storyteller in the way she explores the complex issues of poverty, revolution, loyalty, friendship and love. She exposes the conflict that Miri feels regarding all these issues in such a honest, real way that I think will resonate with MG/YA readers and even adult ones. I enjoyed the journey with Miri as she tries to figure out what is the right thing to do. I honestly had no idea how the story was going to end, but I was pleasantly surprised with all the action! And the love triangle too!

I can't wait to put this book in the hands of my students this year because I know it will bring up such rich discussions and push them to really think about hard issues that don't often show up in the books that they read. It's also in the September Scholastic Book Order and you know I'm going to push it when I do my "spotlight on recommendations" when the orders go home. :)

Even though I was surprised that Palace of Stone was written as a sequel, because Princess Academy ended and wrapped up so nicely, it is the book that I didn't know I needed or wanted. I am so glad that Hale decided to finally write this because it is an amazing piece of literature. I will preface my next statement by saying that I am no expert in Newbery winners (because I've only read a dozen or so), but I think Palace of Stone should definitely be a contender for the Newbery this year (and not just an honor)! It is THAT good. Go get it, you won't regret it.

Once my daughter and I got into this book we both really enjoyed it. It was difficult at first to understand what was happening. It is set in a made-up land, with a made-up culture which isn't an out-there fantasy land, it's believable, which I think made it hard for my daughter to understand. I spent the first 3 chapters doubling back and explaining things.

The Princess Academyis the story of 14 year-old Miri. Miri lives in a small village at the top of Mount Eskel, a part of Danland. Miri's village does one thing, produce linder blocks from the quarry. Virtually everyone over a certain age works in the quarry, apart from Miri, her father will not allow it. She thinks it is because of her small stature, but the reasons run much deeper.

The only interaction that the people of Mount Eskel usually have with the "lowlanders" of Danland is for trade. The traders come up the hill and trade food and supplies for the blocks of linder.

One day a messenger from the king arrives with soldiers and announces that it has been divined that the prince's future bride would be from Mount Eskel. Everyone is surprised because neither side think highly of the other. It is further ordered that all girls over the age of 12 and under 18 are ordered to go away and attend the newly formed "Princess Academy." There Tutor Olana will teach them how to read and write as well as give them lessons in history, etiquette, and dance among other things.

None of the girls want to go, but they all begin to appreciate the education they are getting. Having lived on the mountain all of their lives, they knew very little of the outside world. It actually starts to get quite competitive amongst the girls. Many actually want to marry the prince. Miri is torn between her desire to provide a better life for he Pa and sister, Marda, and her secret love for Peder.

I can't divulge much more without giving away the whole story. I actually liked it quite a bit. My daughter and I would read one or two chapters a night and there would be times that I didn't want to put it down. Shannon Hale has a way with words and this book is well-written. You can actually feel Miri's thoughts and emotions.

I asked my daughter what she thought about it and she wanted to know if there was a second book. So I guess that is a thumbs-up from the 7 year-old.

This book received a Newberry Honor in 2006.

~Jenn

Themes- death, old-school punishments (i.e. hitting with a ruler and locking children in a closet), strong family and community bonds

Setting: Danland, a made-up country that seems much like medieval Europe

Characters: Miri, Peder, Britta, Marda, Pa, Esa, Tutor Olana, Katar, Steffan

Topic: Miri and her fellow girls from Mount Eskel must attend an academy set up just for them to teach them how to become princesses. Little do they know, it will teach them much more.

I really liked this cute little book. I see there is a second book, but I am AOK with how this one ended and feel no burning desire to read further.

You follow Miri, who lives in Mount Eskel. The entire village pretty much lives to quarry stone from the mountain. They work very hard to survive and need every family member to help out. One day, a representative of the king arrives to inform the town that priest have divined that the next princess of the kingdom will come from their village. To prepare for this all the girls aged 12-17 must attend an academy that the kingdom has set up. Later the girls who pass will attend a ball where the prince will come and choose a bride.

The girls learn a lot about themselves and each other. Does Miri really want to be a princess, if she is chosen?

A very cute story. I liked it a lot and will recommend it to my daughter when she a little bit older and starts reading chapter books.

I adored this YA book. 14-year-old Miri loves her life with her father and sister on Mount Eskel, where she spends here days taking care of their home while her sister and father work in the local quarry mining the very beautiful and rare linder stone.

Miri longs to be able to actually work in the quarry, but being born early to a mother that died six days after Miri's birth, she just isn't large enough or strong enough to the the physical work that is required.

Miri's life is about to undergo a dramatic change when the prince announces that it has been foretold that he will find his future wife on Mount Eskel. Such a twitter abounds and all girls between the ages of 13 and 18 are sent off to the Princess Academy where they are taught the fine art of being the perfect princess. The girls were excited about this until they meet their tutor, the horrible Olana who feels that it is her personal duty to torture these young women all in the name of propriety. But Miri and her band of friends have something entirely different in mind and with the help of "quarry-speech" events turn out quite differently when one of the quarry girls has a shocking confession of her own.

Though this book is suggested for ages 9 and up, I think that 9 is a bit too young and that this book would be better appreciated by girls in the 12 to 14 year age group. A little exciting and a little early romance make this a fun book to explore and to share with your daughters.

With an obnoxious name like "Princess Academy" and a Newbery medal to work against it (is it me or does every Newbery book feature a protagonist with one or two parents dead and/or missing and/or people dying??) I was sure I would never read this book, that is, until I finished The Hunger Games and wanted something similar and happened to read some reviews recommending this book.

Now I'm not going to go as far as to say that the books are alike in any way (besides 20 kids competing for one big prize, though thankfully our potential-princesses don't have to kill each other, though that would have made for an interesting book, wouldn't it? Also features a protagonist named after an imaginary flower Miri/Katniss and a perfectly fine boy left back at home pining for the protagonist's affections Peder/Gale.

I'm only giving it 4 stars because I was a bit irritated at the prince's choice and how abruptly it all panned out. It gave out the message that lying and cheating (and wasting an entire year of innocent people's lives and livelihoods)is perfectly okay so long as you get what you want in the end, "alls well that ends well" and this doesn't really seem like a wholesome message to me. Though I suppose it can be good fodder to inspire discussion and debate about the topic with young readers.

Also happy to report that the book was not as grating and tedious as the Newbery books I was subjected to as a child, even boys might enjoy it (plenty of action and bandits near the end) if they wouldn't be too embarrassed to be seen with a book with such a silly name.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale is a timeless tale about how hard life can be. It is a fictional book with a pinch of humor and childish romance. But it also has touches of sadness and bitter sweet hopes, dreams, and beliefs. When the story begins, Miri, the pretty, brave, and petite main character, is in her village on Mount Eskel. She longs to work in the quarry like other children her age. At the same time she struggles between her wish to see things beyond the village and the desire to understand her father's grieving. This adventurous girl may just get her chance.

I really enjoyed this book. The perspective you see is that of a young girl in her early teens, who strives to be like other girls on the mountain. The book talks a lot about how she feels about different things. You start to feel what she feels and begin to understand her point of view. It makes you believe you are this wonderful, creative girl. You can really think like this girl quite easily, without even trying to imagine it.

Another reason I like it is because it's not like other princess stories. Miri had never imagined what life would be like if she married a prince. She doesn't have an evil relative. She also doesn't have anyone to help her through hard times, like a fairy godmother. It's nothing like Snow White or Cinderella, that's for sure.

I think that Shannon Hale used very good details. You could really picture everything that was happening. When she describes the academy, she writes `polished linder had been laid as the foundation'. She also writes `Three stairs led to the main door and columns supporting a carved pediment'. Those are just some of the sentences full of description.

The last reason why I enjoyed this book that I'm going to share with you is: the surprises. It's impossible that you would get bored with this book. At every corner you turn, there is something new awaiting you. There is always something thrilling to find out about the characters. This story is just a bundle of surprises.

Will Miri ever be like other girls? Will she finally get to the bottom of her father's grieving? Will she get to see things beyond the village? Will she ever get to work in the quarry? Will Miri's story out to be happily ever after? You'll have to read the book to find out!

Mt. Eskel is probably the remotest portion of the kingdom. Nobody goes there save to purchase linden stone, which everyone knows is the best to build castles with.

It comes as quite a shock when the prophets declare that the next Queen will come from Mt. Eskel. Even the natives do not believe that the kingdom will put a crown on one of their daughters' heads.

Since there is no nobility, the country opens a "Princess Academy" a place where Mt. Eskel girls of marriageable age are brought for basic education and training in the finer graces.

I admit right now if anyone but Ms. Hale had written the book, I probably would not have purchased it. "Princess Academy" as a title doesn't serve the volume as well as it could. But, Ms. Hale does manage to give new life to an old theme.

The interrelationship between the cultures, highlanders of Mt. Eskel and the downlanders of the rest of the Kingdom is well-developed and in my mind, very similar to Scottish culture. Reading the book, you can almost hear the songlike poetry developed by Mt. Eskel people who have 'linden stone in their blood.'

Fascinating also to see the effect education has on the whole community--not just from learning about Commerce, but who desires literacy as well as the girls forced to learn.

Ms. Hale's writing has a poetry and simplicity that both young adults and older readers can enjoy without it being tired. Her 'voice' as a writer is grace itself.

I personally gave the book a one star deduction because I didn't care that much for part of the story resolution. Of the two Shannon Hale books I've read, "Book of a Thousand Days" was far more powerful and deserved the full measure this reviewer could offer. Still, I would highly recommend this book for everyone from young girls to their great-grandmothers. It's an enjoyable read.

For as long as fourteen-year-old Miri can remember, her family and friends have always lived on Mount Eskel, an isolated territory in the Danland kingdom. The villagers, including her Pa and older sister Marda, make a living on the stone they quarry themselves from the mountain. The work is difficult and their living modest, but Miri still hopes to work in the quarry someday. Her Pa, however, doesn't like the idea and refuses to let his younger daughter work in the quarry. Miri --- named after a small blue mountain flower --- believes the reason is because she's smaller than most girls her age.

Then one day, the traders arrive with a royal delegate from the lowlands. The delegate announces that the prince is searching for a bride, and that the priests have divined that the next princess will come from Mount Eskel. The prince himself will travel to the village to choose his bride. In the meantime, all the eligible girls must attend an academy to learn the skills needed to be a princess. The village is a little wary of the surprising news, but reluctantly agree to have the girls attend the academy.

The girls enter the makeshift academy and are immediately set to a strict schedule, with an equally demanding tutor named Olana. The academy soon becomes unbearable for Miri, who realizes that she is an outcast and is considered to be strong competition by some of the older girls. The only thing that keeps Miri going is the desire to learn the mysterious language of quarry-speech and to be the Academy Princess --- a title that proves to be more valuable than being a potential bride. Just when things begin turning around for Miri, the prince makes a startling decision and the academy is put in a dangerous situation from which only Miri can rescue them.

PRINCESS ACADEMY is the strong, well-written story of one girl's determination to show that even a small mountain flower can be as valuable as a gold crown.

--- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle ([...])

I was a bit trepidacious delving into this book. The cover of the copy I have is deceptively modern, and appears to be kind of icky-sweet and smarmy (what an awful combination to consider!). I feared that I would spend several hours dealing with all the stereotypical teenage girl characters that you can find in any Disney Channel made-for-TV movie. The kind with the adolescent humor that demands a laugh track. And stupid parents. And pratfalls. And the fashionable, uppity in-crowd girls versus the outsider geeky girls. Yuck!

But I was wrong. Very wrong.

Set in a kingdom made of mountains, valleys and sea, this tale of a diminutive girl named Miri, who has to determine whether she would actually want to be marry a prince, is surprisingly strong -- full of intelligence, carefully constructed plotting, and a wealth of thoughtful character inner conflict. About halfway through, I determined that this was an old fairy tale told in great detail. The character names seem German; the contrasting terrain was clearly Alpine; hey, is this a retelling of a Brothers Grimm tale I hadn't heard before?

This highly original work would make for an excellent model for a class on storytelling, and as a language arts teacher, that appeals to me greatly (except I don't think I would have the classroom time sufficient to do real justice to the intricacies of the plot here). The lessons or themes in this book are among the most adult I have read in a book designed for a YA audience, and truly lift this above many other YA books I have read lately.

I must also state that although I was put-off by the telepathic abilities used by the characters in this book at first, I feel this plot device also helped create that fairy tale tone that, once in the reader's mind, lends itself beautifully into allowing the reader to accept the reality of this charming and thoughtful tale.

Indeed, this would make for one of the better movies geared for an adolescent audience -- one that would likely enchant adults, as well. Hmmm, perhaps I should consider buying the film rights to it...

Ladies, have you always wanted to see what thing existed on the other side of the mountains? In a novel written by Shannon Hale called Princess Academy, Miri is a girl that has lived in the mountains her whole life and has been wondering that very same question that I have been wondering. In the village of Mount Eskel, Miri has always wondered why she could not work in the quarry, and if quarry speech could rely exist not within the quarry? All of these questions were answered while staying at a horrible place made by the king. I think the king made this place because he knew that mount eskel was the place for his princess and the girls of Mount eskel did not know the basic manner and what went on at the foot of the mountains. At the academy, Miri must go through palm lashing, stricked teacher, bandits, and being locked up in closest. Will Miri ever get out of this nightmare? Will someone actually become princess or is this just a plot made up by traders to fool the mountain folks? Stay tuned to find out.

While I was reading this book, I found that Miri was having a big issue with her family. In the village (before the news about the academy) Miri was never allowed to work in the quarry. I think that Miri fought that she was never allowed to work in the quarry because she was too small. No one in the village actually told Miri what actually happened when she was born. All that Miri knew was that when she was born, that her mom held on to her for a whole week. In this book, Miri will find out the secrets to her family`s past. what will her dad think of Miri now that she knows what her dad has been hiding? Also, Miri finds out that the quarry work happens threw the mind and linder. With this special power inside of every Mount Eskel will Miri be able get out of Olna`s evil hands? Will Miri`s dad let her go in the quarry and will Miri have to be forced to leave the village against her own will? Wo knows but like Dotter once said expect the unexpectable.

So ladies, if you imagine you living in a palace on the other side of the mountians, living in the olden times, you should try Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. Also look for other books written by this truely amazing author.

PRINCESS ACADEMY seems like it would be fluffy read for little girls who dream of being princesses, a possible Disney movie. However, PRINCESS ACADEMY is a well-told story with plenty of substance and well-drawn characters, if maybe a little stereotypical at times, and definitely deserves the Newbery Honor.

Fourteen-year-old Miri is small and believes herself to be useless, since her father refuses to allow her to work in the quarry, mining linder, Mount Eskel's only source of income. Miri longs to do something important, and that chance comes the Mount Eskel villagers receive the news that the prince is to marry a Mount Eskel girl. Now all girls ages twelve to seventeen are sent to the "princess academy" to learn how to read and write, as well as about commerce and diplomacy, poise and conversation.

Miri, is of course, a strong heroine whose intelligence and determination makes up for her size. Of course the tutor is strict, and there is the jealous older girls who thrive on insulting Miri. But of course Miri has her friends, all of whom are different and likeable.

Perhaps the story is predictable, but it is a warm story with some twists to it, and I found it difficult to put down. Hale's writing just amazes me. Her descriptions are beautiful and her protagonists are always believable characters whose feelings are always well-portrayed. Her settings, too, are wonderful. Though PRINCESS ACADEMY is fantasy, there is little magic that seems real, and Mount Eskel could easily enough be a real place.

PRINCESS ACADEMY is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening. Highly recommended.

I really liked Shannon Hale's "Goose Girl" (I expected it to be terrible - it was not). Banking on that, I picked up "Princess Academy" and the fact that Miri was a name I was once oddly obsessed with. The plot seemed sort of silly and the title ridiculous but I said, "What the hey, I'll give this over-girly looking book a shot."

Once again, as with "Goose Girl", I'm glad I gave Hale a chance. She's twice now managed to take seemingly stupid remakes of fairy tales into funny, absolutely enjoyable reads. "Princess Academy", while I guess not immediately based off of any fairy tale, reads like one with the princess, the prince, the evil no-good-doers, and the happy ending. This delightful story, written simply and clearly in such a way that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish, manages to take seemingly dull ideas and spin them into a fun tale. And it's got just about everything a fairy tale remake needs, without the cliches, the awkwardness, or the annoying bits. Characters are all pleasant and semi-realistic (at times too good or too bad, but it's easy to overlook); the plot is fun and enjoyable.

"Princess Academy" is still a pretty girly book. Don't get me wrong. It's still a young adult book, geared probably for girls (maybe boys too, but much less so) around twelve, thirteen, and is written accordingly. It's not a grand masterpiece - it's a fun read that will make readers feel warm and fuzzy inside while laughing out loud at various bits and clinging to the book in suspense in others. Well-written as "Goose Girl" was, minus the editing need, engaging, and an overall pleasure, "The Princess Academy" should not simply be overlooked because of the title.

Warmly recommended. Enjoy!

Miri and her family live high on top of Mount Eskel. They and the other villagers make their living working in the quarry where they remove the linder stone. The valuable stone (the villagers don't know how valuable) is traded for supplies.

Miri has never been allowed to work in the quarry, and she longs to do so. She's filled with guilt, because she believes she's not big enough or strong enough to help her family. This is a young girl with some big self-worth issues.

Word arrives from the lowlands that a wife is to be chosen for Prince Steffan. And the girl chosen to be princess will come from Mount Eskel. Before Prince Steffan chooses his bride, all the eligible village girls must attend the 'academy' to prepare for life as a princess.

Twenty girls, including Miri, attend the academy where the headmistress is beyond strict, the competition is fierce and the cold winter isolates them all from their loved ones. Miri learns the secret of the linder that will help her village, challenges the headmistress' authority, and faces danger head on with only her courage, new knowledge and her ability to quarry-speak.

I love good middle reader and young adult novels. Not the 'tweener' books that seem so popular today, but good solid novels with purpose, moral values and a grand story. Princess Academy is all that and more. It is a gem within a genre of mediocrity. It is simply stunning. The plot is fast paced, unique, and the characters are so vivid they jump off the page.

The Princess Academy is a message of family, loyalty and what can be if you're determined to learn and succeed. And even if you're 'just' a young teen-age girl.

Armchair Interviews says: A quality novel that adults and children will love. It will make you yearn for more of Mount Eskel, Miri and her friends and family. Check out Hale's other novels, The Goose Girl and Enna Burning.

If you have ever felt that feeling of not being good enough or the insecurity of feeling not wanted, you might relate to this book's main character Miri. Miri is small and can't work in the quarry with her father and sister. She gets little importance out of handling the family's trade and she wants to do more and know that she is needed. The town counts on the quarry to keep it going and get them enough money to trade. That chance to prove herself comes at the Princess Academy, where the fancy "lowlanders" are going to try their best to make a mountaineer worthy of marrying the prince. An inconsiderate witch gets the job of trying to make them worthy. Although this book's title may be deceiving and make people think it is a fluffy story of romance and happily ever afters, it's not. Miri has to fight to make it to the top, she has to stick with who she is, and she has to get over her feelings of inadequacy in order to get what she wants. She gets rejected and is lonely because of fighting for what's right. I really like this book because I think everyone can relate to feeling not good enough at one time or another. I easily went through this book because of being able to relate to it. Plus, Shannon Hale's way of writing is very captivating and makes you want to keep going. People from junior high all the way to high school could enjoy this book. It's and easy read, but it has good principals also. Princess Academy will probably be the most misunderstood book because of its title, but as they always say, don't judge a book by its cover.

Shannon Hale does a fabulous at creating a whole new story line for her Princess Academy books. She re-introduces readers to characters I fell in love with, with Princess Academy, and introduces them to a whole new set of characters, dangers, and adventures. I really enjoyed jumping back into Miri's world. Though it has been awhile since I have read Princess Academy, I didn't feel lost at all with all that was happening, and who each of the older characters were. I felt like the each of the characters grew up a bit more in this book. There's a sweet, innocent romance, shocking secrets, betrayal, and the Kingdom of Ashland is facing a revolution. A lot of things happen in this book and I enjoyed every moment of it!

Character wise I really enjoyed reading about Miri, her adventures, mishaps and all that she encounters in this book. I felt like Shannon really allowed me to understand her character in this book as she tries to find her place in her world. From being fierce and protective, to be brilliant and educated, and speaking her mind when she needed to, Miri was a character I came to admire a lot more in this book. There were times she was also incredibly naive, but it was so fitting for all that was going on in her story for her to be like that. Everything she experienced and all she does made sense to me. There's a lot she learns as she tries to figure out what's right, and wrong, doing what needs to be done vs following her heart. I admire her courage and love her quest for reading and learning. She's a smart girl who yearns to be educated in the ways of all that's going on around her. I liked how her love for reading, and understanding the history of Ashland's people plays a huge role in something that happens in this story, as does her embracing who she is and where she comes from.

I love the friendship that she and Britta continue to have, as well as that of Prince Steffan. I adore Peder, but I wish he was a little bit stronger of a character. I felt like Miri is very much the dominate one in their relationship, though there's nothing wrong with that. The new character Timon and his relationship with Miri turned out just how I expected it to, and I liked what his character brought to the story line in the beginning, and all that he challenged Miri to think and feel. There's a few other characters I enjoyed getting to know and understand a bit better as the story went on, and the roles they played in the book. Miri by far is my favorite out of each of the characters we get to read about it in this book.

The story is fabulous! I love this type of setting, and the feel it adds to the book. The over all storyline is wonderful. I absolutely love Shannon Hale's writing and her ability to not just tell a story, but bring it to life like she does. Her stories are always richly detailed without going over board, innocent, clean cut, and always have these well developed heroines that I completely adore, and fall in love with. Shannon's books are just as engaging and exciting for middle grade readers as they are for adult readers. She knows how to mix age appropriate romance with action, and stay true to the time period her books are set in. I loved Palace of Stone and definitely recommend picking this one up!

Let me say first off that I am a huge fan of Shannon Hale's ever since I read The Goose Girl a while back. I thought it was such a wonderful retelling of a classic fairy tale that I vowed then and there to read every novel Hale has ever written. This is the next stop on my journey-a delightful YA novel called Princess Academy.

This story follows Miri and all the 'eligible' girls in her town as they are pressed into the service of learning etiquette and country history because some priests have prophesied that the next princess of the realm shall come from their town. Miri is skeptical and headstrong, but strives to achieve highest marks at her school, but does that make her want to be a princess? The stone quarry and the mountain are all she has ever known--would she have to leave all that behind?

A very heartwarming tale about loving your home and family coupled with a desire for adventure. This was a very quick read, and Hale's prose pulls you in completely from start to finish. The characters are pretty young-13/14, so there isn't a great deal of love going on, but there is a smattering of really cute affection in there that makes the book even more endearing. Another fabulous read from Shannon Hale.

This is my first time writing a book review on the store.

After reading all the reviews, I had my mom send this book to my Kindle as a gift. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. At first it's usually hard for me to get into a book - getting past all of the initial set-up bores me, and I usually don't pick the book back up. I had the same issue with this book, but I got over that hump and really got into the story and the characters.

First of all, I love Miri, the main character. The author portrays her as likable and someone strong girls can admire. She's clever, humble, and loves her family dearly - three characteristics a good protagonist should have. Although she thinks of herself as meek and feeble, she has a wit and spark that cannot be compared to anyone else in the book.

I love that the author depicts her indecisiveness in terms of whether she would truly want to leave her village for another land and if she would be happy marrying a Prince she doesn't know. This tale is not a cookie cutter tale, and kind of leaves a little bit of mystery and intrigue until the very end. The romance was subtle and not in-your-face, and yet still touched my heart, which is the type of romance I love to read.

Definitely a fan of this book, and so happy that I was able to get it on my Kindle!!

The book Princess Academy by Shannon Hale is about a fourteen year old girl Miri and a bunch of other girls who have to go to an academy. They have to learn poise, the principles of conversation, and diplomatic negotiation. Miri and Katar are the only girls who pass these test's. Katar thinks she'll win to be princess, but does she?

I think the theme at the beginning is having to deal with letting go of your family members. I felt bad for Miri when her mother died when she was little. The theme at the end of the book is not being afraid to do what's right. If I were Miri at this point I would be scared to death. I mean she has to roll off a cliff and grab on one of the rocks sticking out of the cliff and she does this for her family and friends.

My favorite part of the book is when all the girls confused the bandits for who was the princess and who wasn't. First Frid said she was princess. Then Miri said she was. Then all the rest of the girls said they were. The bandits got mad so they took Miri and Dan, the head bandit, said he would kill her the next day. The part that I disliked was when Dogface ,a bandit, hung Gerti, the youngest girl. The book was very interesting and a great book to spend you time on reading. I loved this book and hopefully you do to!

I wasn't a big fan of the first Princess Academy.

I finished it and thought it was interesting but wasn't sure about the whole quarry speak thing. I enjoyed the characters though and a lot of the ideas presented.

This book was more to my taste. It was great to be back with the characters I enjoyed before and their reactions to being plunked down in the city out of their comfort zone. Lots of good questions raised, conflicts, and just the right amount of blossoming romance.

Clean and well written, I'd choose this one to read again over the original.

You will need to read the first one to understand this one. Palace of Stone is not meant to be read as a stand alone book.

I'm in loooooooove. That's all I can figure. Why else would I have stayed up until 2am to finish this book, tossed and turned, unable to sleep, feverish thoughts of "if only I had enough money to buy the school 10 copies and give one to everyone I know!" in my over-tired head? Why else would I have dreamed (when I was finally able to sleep) of the different characters in this book, longing to be the main character, Miri? I am dopey-eyed, slack-jawed, gimme more gimme more gimme more in loooooooove with this book!

Princess Academy can most easily be described as a take on the "princess tale," wherein it is possible for a common young woman to marry the prince. But it's so much more than that. Young Miri is the diminutive heroine of the story, living a small, quiet life with her family and villagers atop Mount Eskel. The village mines the mountain quarries for blocks of linder, a valuable commodity for building in their country of Danland. A representative from the royal court - located in the "lowlands" - comes to tell the village that it has been determined the prince's bride shall come from their tiny village. Since none of the young women can read or write or engage in things like Conversation, Poise, and Diplomacy, the court creates a Princess Academy, where the girls can study for one year and potentially catch the eye (and hand) of the Prince at the year-end ball.

The year at the Academy changes everyone, especially Miri (named after the miri flower that grows in the linder-filled mountains). She comes to the academy with fear and hope lodged in her heart. She has always felt useless in her village - too small to work the quarry, too small to be of any consequence. Could the Academy offer her a chance to be important? What if she were chosen as the princess? Ultimately Miri discovers in herself hidden talents and abilities, and with a generous spirit goes about helping others to do the same. Throughout the year at the school, all the girls grow strong, intelligent, independent. They examine their relationships with each other, with their families, with the mountain itself.

Author Hale leans on Scandinavian roots to create her community in the book. The look, the feel of the village is Scandinavian, even down to the use of names like Doter and Peder and Britta. There are some incredibly poignant scenes, one which made me tear up. There is humor and action and suspense. There is a sweet love story, with touches of passion and fluttering hearts. The mountain is a character as real as any human in this story. This isn't really just a "princess tale." It's a tale of friendship and love, loyalty, courage, individual gifts, the value of education. I'd hate for anyone to look at the title and dismiss it as a fairy tale. I was thinking if I had chosen the title, it might be "Miri Blooms." This book has certainly planted something very warm and whole in my own heart. Yes, I think I'm in love!

With so many books about magic things out there (which I LOVE to read!), the Princess Academy is very refreshing. There's plenty of magic- but every day, real magic that we can all use. For example, quarry language: learning to us the language of your culture to achieve things that will help your people, it is essentially speaking with the heart using common ground that joins us as "a people". Another magical aspect is the discovery that the person who regards herself as "useless" turns out to be the one that accomplishes the most for those she cares about. There's also magic in discovering that those you love and love you, are always near, and the shared experiences can allow you help them and ask for help.

I also like the message of marrying a friend- prince or not- a friend... Britta's secret is some more magic- overcoming a prediction made by Priests so that true love can succeed.

I loved every minute reading this book. I love the caring characters, the openness of feelings, the coming of age of girls, and even more the lesson of coming together to survive, and how being fair and speaking up (if you are sure don't hesitate") can help you in the road to happiness.

A great book for girls of all ages!

I adored this YA book. 14-year-old Miri loves her life with her father and sister on Mount Eskel, where she spends here days taking care of their home while her sister and father work in the local quarry mining the very beautiful and rare linder stone.

Miri longs to be able to actually work in the quarry, but being born early to a mother that died six days after Miri's birth, she just isn't large enough or strong enough to the the physical work that is required.

Miri's life is about to undergo a dramatic change when the prince announces that it has been foretold that he will find his future wife on Mount Eskel. Such a twitter abounds and all girls between the ages of 13 and 18 are sent off to the Princess Academy where they are taught the fine art of being the perfect princess. The girls were excited about this until they meet their tutor, the horrible Olana who feels that it is her personal duty to torture these young women all in the name of propriety. But Miri and her band of friends have something entirely different in mind and with the help of "quarry-speech" events turn out quite differently when one of the quarry girls has a shocking confession of her own.

Though this book is suggested for ages 9 and up, I think that 9 is a bit too young and that this book would be better appreciated by girls in the 12 to 14 year age group. A little exciting and a little early romance make this a fun book to explore and to share with your daughters.

With an obnoxious name like "Princess Academy" and a Newbery medal to work against it (is it me or does every Newbery book feature a protagonist with one or two parents dead and/or missing and/or people dying??) I was sure I would never read this book, that is, until I finished The Hunger Games and wanted something similar and happened to read some reviews recommending this book.

Now I'm not going to go as far as to say that the books are alike in any way (besides 20 kids competing for one big prize, though thankfully our potential-princesses don't have to kill each other, though that would have made for an interesting book, wouldn't it? Also features a protagonist named after an imaginary flower Miri/Katniss and a perfectly fine boy left back at home pining for the protagonist's affections Peder/Gale.

I'm only giving it 4 stars because I was a bit irritated at the prince's choice and how abruptly it all panned out. It gave out the message that lying and cheating (and wasting an entire year of innocent people's lives and livelihoods)is perfectly okay so long as you get what you want in the end, "alls well that ends well" and this doesn't really seem like a wholesome message to me. Though I suppose it can be good fodder to inspire discussion and debate about the topic with young readers.

Also happy to report that the book was not as grating and tedious as the Newbery books I was subjected to as a child, even boys might enjoy it (plenty of action and bandits near the end) if they wouldn't be too embarrassed to be seen with a book with such a silly name.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale is a timeless tale about how hard life can be. It is a fictional book with a pinch of humor and childish romance. But it also has touches of sadness and bitter sweet hopes, dreams, and beliefs. When the story begins, Miri, the pretty, brave, and petite main character, is in her village on Mount Eskel. She longs to work in the quarry like other children her age. At the same time she struggles between her wish to see things beyond the village and the desire to understand her father's grieving. This adventurous girl may just get her chance.

I really enjoyed this book. The perspective you see is that of a young girl in her early teens, who strives to be like other girls on the mountain. The book talks a lot about how she feels about different things. You start to feel what she feels and begin to understand her point of view. It makes you believe you are this wonderful, creative girl. You can really think like this girl quite easily, without even trying to imagine it.

Another reason I like it is because it's not like other princess stories. Miri had never imagined what life would be like if she married a prince. She doesn't have an evil relative. She also doesn't have anyone to help her through hard times, like a fairy godmother. It's nothing like Snow White or Cinderella, that's for sure.

I think that Shannon Hale used very good details. You could really picture everything that was happening. When she describes the academy, she writes `polished linder had been laid as the foundation'. She also writes `Three stairs led to the main door and columns supporting a carved pediment'. Those are just some of the sentences full of description.

The last reason why I enjoyed this book that I'm going to share with you is: the surprises. It's impossible that you would get bored with this book. At every corner you turn, there is something new awaiting you. There is always something thrilling to find out about the characters. This story is just a bundle of surprises.

Will Miri ever be like other girls? Will she finally get to the bottom of her father's grieving? Will she get to see things beyond the village? Will she ever get to work in the quarry? Will Miri's story out to be happily ever after? You'll have to read the book to find out!

Mt. Eskel is probably the remotest portion of the kingdom. Nobody goes there save to purchase linden stone, which everyone knows is the best to build castles with.

It comes as quite a shock when the prophets declare that the next Queen will come from Mt. Eskel. Even the natives do not believe that the kingdom will put a crown on one of their daughters' heads.

Since there is no nobility, the country opens a "Princess Academy" a place where Mt. Eskel girls of marriageable age are brought for basic education and training in the finer graces.

I admit right now if anyone but Ms. Hale had written the book, I probably would not have purchased it. "Princess Academy" as a title doesn't serve the volume as well as it could. But, Ms. Hale does manage to give new life to an old theme.

The interrelationship between the cultures, highlanders of Mt. Eskel and the downlanders of the rest of the Kingdom is well-developed and in my mind, very similar to Scottish culture. Reading the book, you can almost hear the songlike poetry developed by Mt. Eskel people who have 'linden stone in their blood.'

Fascinating also to see the effect education has on the whole community--not just from learning about Commerce, but who desires literacy as well as the girls forced to learn.

Ms. Hale's writing has a poetry and simplicity that both young adults and older readers can enjoy without it being tired. Her 'voice' as a writer is grace itself.

I personally gave the book a one star deduction because I didn't care that much for part of the story resolution. Of the two Shannon Hale books I've read, "Book of a Thousand Days" was far more powerful and deserved the full measure this reviewer could offer. Still, I would highly recommend this book for everyone from young girls to their great-grandmothers. It's an enjoyable read.

For as long as fourteen-year-old Miri can remember, her family and friends have always lived on Mount Eskel, an isolated territory in the Danland kingdom. The villagers, including her Pa and older sister Marda, make a living on the stone they quarry themselves from the mountain. The work is difficult and their living modest, but Miri still hopes to work in the quarry someday. Her Pa, however, doesn't like the idea and refuses to let his younger daughter work in the quarry. Miri --- named after a small blue mountain flower --- believes the reason is because she's smaller than most girls her age.

Then one day, the traders arrive with a royal delegate from the lowlands. The delegate announces that the prince is searching for a bride, and that the priests have divined that the next princess will come from Mount Eskel. The prince himself will travel to the village to choose his bride. In the meantime, all the eligible girls must attend an academy to learn the skills needed to be a princess. The village is a little wary of the surprising news, but reluctantly agree to have the girls attend the academy.

The girls enter the makeshift academy and are immediately set to a strict schedule, with an equally demanding tutor named Olana. The academy soon becomes unbearable for Miri, who realizes that she is an outcast and is considered to be strong competition by some of the older girls. The only thing that keeps Miri going is the desire to learn the mysterious language of quarry-speech and to be the Academy Princess --- a title that proves to be more valuable than being a potential bride. Just when things begin turning around for Miri, the prince makes a startling decision and the academy is put in a dangerous situation from which only Miri can rescue them.

PRINCESS ACADEMY is the strong, well-written story of one girl's determination to show that even a small mountain flower can be as valuable as a gold crown.

--- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle ([...])

I was a bit trepidacious delving into this book. The cover of the copy I have is deceptively modern, and appears to be kind of icky-sweet and smarmy (what an awful combination to consider!). I feared that I would spend several hours dealing with all the stereotypical teenage girl characters that you can find in any Disney Channel made-for-TV movie. The kind with the adolescent humor that demands a laugh track. And stupid parents. And pratfalls. And the fashionable, uppity in-crowd girls versus the outsider geeky girls. Yuck!

But I was wrong. Very wrong.

Set in a kingdom made of mountains, valleys and sea, this tale of a diminutive girl named Miri, who has to determine whether she would actually want to be marry a prince, is surprisingly strong -- full of intelligence, carefully constructed plotting, and a wealth of thoughtful character inner conflict. About halfway through, I determined that this was an old fairy tale told in great detail. The character names seem German; the contrasting terrain was clearly Alpine; hey, is this a retelling of a Brothers Grimm tale I hadn't heard before?

This highly original work would make for an excellent model for a class on storytelling, and as a language arts teacher, that appeals to me greatly (except I don't think I would have the classroom time sufficient to do real justice to the intricacies of the plot here). The lessons or themes in this book are among the most adult I have read in a book designed for a YA audience, and truly lift this above many other YA books I have read lately.

I must also state that although I was put-off by the telepathic abilities used by the characters in this book at first, I feel this plot device also helped create that fairy tale tone that, once in the reader's mind, lends itself beautifully into allowing the reader to accept the reality of this charming and thoughtful tale.

Indeed, this would make for one of the better movies geared for an adolescent audience -- one that would likely enchant adults, as well. Hmmm, perhaps I should consider buying the film rights to it...

Ladies, have you always wanted to see what thing existed on the other side of the mountains? In a novel written by Shannon Hale called Princess Academy, Miri is a girl that has lived in the mountains her whole life and has been wondering that very same question that I have been wondering. In the village of Mount Eskel, Miri has always wondered why she could not work in the quarry, and if quarry speech could rely exist not within the quarry? All of these questions were answered while staying at a horrible place made by the king. I think the king made this place because he knew that mount eskel was the place for his princess and the girls of Mount eskel did not know the basic manner and what went on at the foot of the mountains. At the academy, Miri must go through palm lashing, stricked teacher, bandits, and being locked up in closest. Will Miri ever get out of this nightmare? Will someone actually become princess or is this just a plot made up by traders to fool the mountain folks? Stay tuned to find out.

While I was reading this book, I found that Miri was having a big issue with her family. In the village (before the news about the academy) Miri was never allowed to work in the quarry. I think that Miri fought that she was never allowed to work in the quarry because she was too small. No one in the village actually told Miri what actually happened when she was born. All that Miri knew was that when she was born, that her mom held on to her for a whole week. In this book, Miri will find out the secrets to her family`s past. what will her dad think of Miri now that she knows what her dad has been hiding? Also, Miri finds out that the quarry work happens threw the mind and linder. With this special power inside of every Mount Eskel will Miri be able get out of Olna`s evil hands? Will Miri`s dad let her go in the quarry and will Miri have to be forced to leave the village against her own will? Wo knows but like Dotter once said expect the unexpectable.

So ladies, if you imagine you living in a palace on the other side of the mountians, living in the olden times, you should try Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. Also look for other books written by this truely amazing author.

PRINCESS ACADEMY seems like it would be fluffy read for little girls who dream of being princesses, a possible Disney movie. However, PRINCESS ACADEMY is a well-told story with plenty of substance and well-drawn characters, if maybe a little stereotypical at times, and definitely deserves the Newbery Honor.

Fourteen-year-old Miri is small and believes herself to be useless, since her father refuses to allow her to work in the quarry, mining linder, Mount Eskel's only source of income. Miri longs to do something important, and that chance comes the Mount Eskel villagers receive the news that the prince is to marry a Mount Eskel girl. Now all girls ages twelve to seventeen are sent to the "princess academy" to learn how to read and write, as well as about commerce and diplomacy, poise and conversation.

Miri, is of course, a strong heroine whose intelligence and determination makes up for her size. Of course the tutor is strict, and there is the jealous older girls who thrive on insulting Miri. But of course Miri has her friends, all of whom are different and likeable.

Perhaps the story is predictable, but it is a warm story with some twists to it, and I found it difficult to put down. Hale's writing just amazes me. Her descriptions are beautiful and her protagonists are always believable characters whose feelings are always well-portrayed. Her settings, too, are wonderful. Though PRINCESS ACADEMY is fantasy, there is little magic that seems real, and Mount Eskel could easily enough be a real place.

PRINCESS ACADEMY is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening. Highly recommended.

I really liked Shannon Hale's "Goose Girl" (I expected it to be terrible - it was not). Banking on that, I picked up "Princess Academy" and the fact that Miri was a name I was once oddly obsessed with. The plot seemed sort of silly and the title ridiculous but I said, "What the hey, I'll give this over-girly looking book a shot."

Once again, as with "Goose Girl", I'm glad I gave Hale a chance. She's twice now managed to take seemingly stupid remakes of fairy tales into funny, absolutely enjoyable reads. "Princess Academy", while I guess not immediately based off of any fairy tale, reads like one with the princess, the prince, the evil no-good-doers, and the happy ending. This delightful story, written simply and clearly in such a way that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish, manages to take seemingly dull ideas and spin them into a fun tale. And it's got just about everything a fairy tale remake needs, without the cliches, the awkwardness, or the annoying bits. Characters are all pleasant and semi-realistic (at times too good or too bad, but it's easy to overlook); the plot is fun and enjoyable.

"Princess Academy" is still a pretty girly book. Don't get me wrong. It's still a young adult book, geared probably for girls (maybe boys too, but much less so) around twelve, thirteen, and is written accordingly. It's not a grand masterpiece - it's a fun read that will make readers feel warm and fuzzy inside while laughing out loud at various bits and clinging to the book in suspense in others. Well-written as "Goose Girl" was, minus the editing need, engaging, and an overall pleasure, "The Princess Academy" should not simply be overlooked because of the title.

Warmly recommended. Enjoy!

Miri and her family live high on top of Mount Eskel. They and the other villagers make their living working in the quarry where they remove the linder stone. The valuable stone (the villagers don't know how valuable) is traded for supplies.

Miri has never been allowed to work in the quarry, and she longs to do so. She's filled with guilt, because she believes she's not big enough or strong enough to help her family. This is a young girl with some big self-worth issues.

Word arrives from the lowlands that a wife is to be chosen for Prince Steffan. And the girl chosen to be princess will come from Mount Eskel. Before Prince Steffan chooses his bride, all the eligible village girls must attend the 'academy' to prepare for life as a princess.

Twenty girls, including Miri, attend the academy where the headmistress is beyond strict, the competition is fierce and the cold winter isolates them all from their loved ones. Miri learns the secret of the linder that will help her village, challenges the headmistress' authority, and faces danger head on with only her courage, new knowledge and her ability to quarry-speak.

I love good middle reader and young adult novels. Not the 'tweener' books that seem so popular today, but good solid novels with purpose, moral values and a grand story. Princess Academy is all that and more. It is a gem within a genre of mediocrity. It is simply stunning. The plot is fast paced, unique, and the characters are so vivid they jump off the page.

The Princess Academy is a message of family, loyalty and what can be if you're determined to learn and succeed. And even if you're 'just' a young teen-age girl.

Armchair Interviews says: A quality novel that adults and children will love. It will make you yearn for more of Mount Eskel, Miri and her friends and family. Check out Hale's other novels, The Goose Girl and Enna Burning.

I liked this book far more than I ever intended to. I'm a huge fan of "Goose Girl", but a book with this kind of title? Why don't you just shoot me in the head? But eventually I found myself purchasing what turned out to be a literal diamond in the rough (you see, there's this whole mountain quarry thing going on in the novel).

Wow, was I impressed! Rather than a bunch of silly girls wanting to be princesses, Ms. Hale creates a realistic society of some mountain peasants simply trying to survive in their own little niche of the kingdom. Our heroine is Miri, a small girl that can't wait to join the rest of her village in the quarry. But she is not allowed.

To shake things up, the prince of the kingdom supposedly is destined to select a bride from their mountain. So all the elligible girls are gathered together for training.

And we all know what happens when we put a bunch of teenage girls together. Tensions run high as jealousy seeps in. All the girls have their different reasons for being at the school, for wanting to be princess. All of them, wonderfully enough, are fantastic reasons.

It seems as though our little Miri will fall behind. But she proves herself victorious as she grows and learns and realizes she is not the useless little thing she believes she is.

It's sweet, powerful, and inspirational, definitely worth its Newberry Honor.

If you have ever felt that feeling of not being good enough or the insecurity of feeling not wanted, you might relate to this book's main character Miri. Miri is small and can't work in the quarry with her father and sister. She gets little importance out of handling the family's trade and she wants to do more and know that she is needed. The town counts on the quarry to keep it going and get them enough money to trade. That chance to prove herself comes at the Princess Academy, where the fancy "lowlanders" are going to try their best to make a mountaineer worthy of marrying the prince. An inconsiderate witch gets the job of trying to make them worthy. Although this book's title may be deceiving and make people think it is a fluffy story of romance and happily ever afters, it's not. Miri has to fight to make it to the top, she has to stick with who she is, and she has to get over her feelings of inadequacy in order to get what she wants. She gets rejected and is lonely because of fighting for what's right. I really like this book because I think everyone can relate to feeling not good enough at one time or another. I easily went through this book because of being able to relate to it. Plus, Shannon Hale's way of writing is very captivating and makes you want to keep going. People from junior high all the way to high school could enjoy this book. It's and easy read, but it has good principals also. Princess Academy will probably be the most misunderstood book because of its title, but as they always say, don't judge a book by its cover.

Shannon Hale does a fabulous at creating a whole new story line for her Princess Academy books. She re-introduces readers to characters I fell in love with, with Princess Academy, and introduces them to a whole new set of characters, dangers, and adventures. I really enjoyed jumping back into Miri's world. Though it has been awhile since I have read Princess Academy, I didn't feel lost at all with all that was happening, and who each of the older characters were. I felt like the each of the characters grew up a bit more in this book. There's a sweet, innocent romance, shocking secrets, betrayal, and the Kingdom of Ashland is facing a revolution. A lot of things happen in this book and I enjoyed every moment of it!

Character wise I really enjoyed reading about Miri, her adventures, mishaps and all that she encounters in this book. I felt like Shannon really allowed me to understand her character in this book as she tries to find her place in her world. From being fierce and protective, to be brilliant and educated, and speaking her mind when she needed to, Miri was a character I came to admire a lot more in this book. There were times she was also incredibly naive, but it was so fitting for all that was going on in her story for her to be like that. Everything she experienced and all she does made sense to me. There's a lot she learns as she tries to figure out what's right, and wrong, doing what needs to be done vs following her heart. I admire her courage and love her quest for reading and learning. She's a smart girl who yearns to be educated in the ways of all that's going on around her. I liked how her love for reading, and understanding the history of Ashland's people plays a huge role in something that happens in this story, as does her embracing who she is and where she comes from.

I love the friendship that she and Britta continue to have, as well as that of Prince Steffan. I adore Peder, but I wish he was a little bit stronger of a character. I felt like Miri is very much the dominate one in their relationship, though there's nothing wrong with that. The new character Timon and his relationship with Miri turned out just how I expected it to, and I liked what his character brought to the story line in the beginning, and all that he challenged Miri to think and feel. There's a few other characters I enjoyed getting to know and understand a bit better as the story went on, and the roles they played in the book. Miri by far is my favorite out of each of the characters we get to read about it in this book.

The story is fabulous! I love this type of setting, and the feel it adds to the book. The over all storyline is wonderful. I absolutely love Shannon Hale's writing and her ability to not just tell a story, but bring it to life like she does. Her stories are always richly detailed without going over board, innocent, clean cut, and always have these well developed heroines that I completely adore, and fall in love with. Shannon's books are just as engaging and exciting for middle grade readers as they are for adult readers. She knows how to mix age appropriate romance with action, and stay true to the time period her books are set in. I loved Palace of Stone and definitely recommend picking this one up!

Let me say first off that I am a huge fan of Shannon Hale's ever since I read The Goose Girl a while back. I thought it was such a wonderful retelling of a classic fairy tale that I vowed then and there to read every novel Hale has ever written. This is the next stop on my journey-a delightful YA novel called Princess Academy.

This story follows Miri and all the 'eligible' girls in her town as they are pressed into the service of learning etiquette and country history because some priests have prophesied that the next princess of the realm shall come from their town. Miri is skeptical and headstrong, but strives to achieve highest marks at her school, but does that make her want to be a princess? The stone quarry and the mountain are all she has ever known--would she have to leave all that behind?

A very heartwarming tale about loving your home and family coupled with a desire for adventure. This was a very quick read, and Hale's prose pulls you in completely from start to finish. The characters are pretty young-13/14, so there isn't a great deal of love going on, but there is a smattering of really cute affection in there that makes the book even more endearing. Another fabulous read from Shannon Hale.

This is my first time writing a book review on the store.

After reading all the reviews, I had my mom send this book to my Kindle as a gift. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. At first it's usually hard for me to get into a book - getting past all of the initial set-up bores me, and I usually don't pick the book back up. I had the same issue with this book, but I got over that hump and really got into the story and the characters.

First of all, I love Miri, the main character. The author portrays her as likable and someone strong girls can admire. She's clever, humble, and loves her family dearly - three characteristics a good protagonist should have. Although she thinks of herself as meek and feeble, she has a wit and spark that cannot be compared to anyone else in the book.

I love that the author depicts her indecisiveness in terms of whether she would truly want to leave her village for another land and if she would be happy marrying a Prince she doesn't know. This tale is not a cookie cutter tale, and kind of leaves a little bit of mystery and intrigue until the very end. The romance was subtle and not in-your-face, and yet still touched my heart, which is the type of romance I love to read.

Definitely a fan of this book, and so happy that I was able to get it on my Kindle!!

The book Princess Academy by Shannon Hale is about a fourteen year old girl Miri and a bunch of other girls who have to go to an academy. They have to learn poise, the principles of conversation, and diplomatic negotiation. Miri and Katar are the only girls who pass these test's. Katar thinks she'll win to be princess, but does she?

I think the theme at the beginning is having to deal with letting go of your family members. I felt bad for Miri when her mother died when she was little. The theme at the end of the book is not being afraid to do what's right. If I were Miri at this point I would be scared to death. I mean she has to roll off a cliff and grab on one of the rocks sticking out of the cliff and she does this for her family and friends.

My favorite part of the book is when all the girls confused the bandits for who was the princess and who wasn't. First Frid said she was princess. Then Miri said she was. Then all the rest of the girls said they were. The bandits got mad so they took Miri and Dan, the head bandit, said he would kill her the next day. The part that I disliked was when Dogface ,a bandit, hung Gerti, the youngest girl. The book was very interesting and a great book to spend you time on reading. I loved this book and hopefully you do to!

I wasn't a big fan of the first Princess Academy.

I finished it and thought it was interesting but wasn't sure about the whole quarry speak thing. I enjoyed the characters though and a lot of the ideas presented.

This book was more to my taste. It was great to be back with the characters I enjoyed before and their reactions to being plunked down in the city out of their comfort zone. Lots of good questions raised, conflicts, and just the right amount of blossoming romance.

Clean and well written, I'd choose this one to read again over the original.

You will need to read the first one to understand this one. Palace of Stone is not meant to be read as a stand alone book.

I'm in loooooooove. That's all I can figure. Why else would I have stayed up until 2am to finish this book, tossed and turned, unable to sleep, feverish thoughts of "if only I had enough money to buy the school 10 copies and give one to everyone I know!" in my over-tired head? Why else would I have dreamed (when I was finally able to sleep) of the different characters in this book, longing to be the main character, Miri? I am dopey-eyed, slack-jawed, gimme more gimme more gimme more in loooooooove with this book!

Princess Academy can most easily be described as a take on the "princess tale," wherein it is possible for a common young woman to marry the prince. But it's so much more than that. Young Miri is the diminutive heroine of the story, living a small, quiet life with her family and villagers atop Mount Eskel. The village mines the mountain quarries for blocks of linder, a valuable commodity for building in their country of Danland. A representative from the royal court - located in the "lowlands" - comes to tell the village that it has been determined the prince's bride shall come from their tiny village. Since none of the young women can read or write or engage in things like Conversation, Poise, and Diplomacy, the court creates a Princess Academy, where the girls can study for one year and potentially catch the eye (and hand) of the Prince at the year-end ball.

The year at the Academy changes everyone, especially Miri (named after the miri flower that grows in the linder-filled mountains). She comes to the academy with fear and hope lodged in her heart. She has always felt useless in her village - too small to work the quarry, too small to be of any consequence. Could the Academy offer her a chance to be important? What if she were chosen as the princess? Ultimately Miri discovers in herself hidden talents and abilities, and with a generous spirit goes about helping others to do the same. Throughout the year at the school, all the girls grow strong, intelligent, independent. They examine their relationships with each other, with their families, with the mountain itself.

Author Hale leans on Scandinavian roots to create her community in the book. The look, the feel of the village is Scandinavian, even down to the use of names like Doter and Peder and Britta. There are some incredibly poignant scenes, one which made me tear up. There is humor and action and suspense. There is a sweet love story, with touches of passion and fluttering hearts. The mountain is a character as real as any human in this story. This isn't really just a "princess tale." It's a tale of friendship and love, loyalty, courage, individual gifts, the value of education. I'd hate for anyone to look at the title and dismiss it as a fairy tale. I was thinking if I had chosen the title, it might be "Miri Blooms." This book has certainly planted something very warm and whole in my own heart. Yes, I think I'm in love!

With so many books about magic things out there (which I LOVE to read!), the Princess Academy is very refreshing. There's plenty of magic- but every day, real magic that we can all use. For example, quarry language: learning to us the language of your culture to achieve things that will help your people, it is essentially speaking with the heart using common ground that joins us as "a people". Another magical aspect is the discovery that the person who regards herself as "useless" turns out to be the one that accomplishes the most for those she cares about. There's also magic in discovering that those you love and love you, are always near, and the shared experiences can allow you help them and ask for help.

I also like the message of marrying a friend- prince or not- a friend... Britta's secret is some more magic- overcoming a prediction made by Priests so that true love can succeed.

I loved every minute reading this book. I love the caring characters, the openness of feelings, the coming of age of girls, and even more the lesson of coming together to survive, and how being fair and speaking up (if you are sure don't hesitate") can help you in the road to happiness.

A great book for girls of all ages!

I loved this return the to world of Princess Academy. We learn more about the Kingdom overall and develop our characters further. There is romance and political intrigue with the characters we already love. Miri and her Princess Academy friends come out of the mountain for the first time , to the capital city for the Royal Wedding. But things off the mountain are not as perfect as the history books made it seem to Miri. Peder even gets a little competition for Miri's affections. Can't wait to read the third.

Princess Academy Book Report

The book I have read for my historical fiction project is called Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale. This is a fantasy fiction book.
Princess Academy is about a girl named Miri who lives in a place called Mount Eskel. She has a sister named Marda, and her dad. She works in the fields with the goats in her yard. One day two soldiers from the king announced that all of the girls who lived in Mount Eskel were to leave their families and attend Princess Academy. Marda was older than the prince, so she did not have to go. This was a school to get the girls ready to meet the prince at a ball. One of the girls would be chosen to marry the prince. At the academy, they learn to read, write, and how to be a princess. They have a very strict teacher named Mrs. Olana. This teacher disciplines the children for talking by locking them in a closet or smacking their palms with a yard stick.
I think this was a very good book. I liked it because I think it has a good story line , it adds a lot of details, and it is also very exiting. It would probably be best for fourth, fifth, or sixth grade.

I did not want to read this book one bit, but I loved it! I looked forward to reading it every night. This book is full of adventure, mystery, and suspense. I highly recommend reading this book. The second book is very good too. It is one of my favorite books ever!! This book is definitely worth reading! I love this book!!

The book starts in mount Eskle where they work in the corrie to get Linder. One girl miry can't work in the Corry. Every year traders come to there village. One year the traders bring news that the Prince is going to choose a bride from mount eskle. They bring the girls of mount eskle to a princess academy. The book contains many exciting adventures at the school, like trouble with tutor Olona and bandits! It might not sound interesting but it is!

Great book!!

Beautiful Quotes:

"I keep thinking about a tale my nurse used to read to me about a bird whose wings are pinned to the ground. In the end, when he finally frees himself, he flies so high he becomes a star. My nurse said the story was about how we all have something that keeps us down."

"There you go...let it all slide out. Unhappiness can't stick in a person's soul when it's slick with tears [p. 173]."

I had heard that Shannon Hale's youth fiction was pretty good so I decided to try out this one. I'd read her Austenland book about a year ago and thought it was OK so I was a bit hesitant to try out her other books. Overall, I thought this was a fun book. It took a bit for me to get into it, but towards the end it really came alive. I thought Hale's book did a fantastic job of painting the tiny village of Mount Eskel for me to see. Her book focuses on the importance of family, community ties, and being true to yourself. A great story of triumph for those of all ages!

"Miri woke to the sleey bleating of a goat."That was the novel book of Shannon Hale, Princesse Academy. This book is about a girl that was competing to be a bride.But first she and the other girls have to attend a makeshift academy to be prepared for the royal lowlander life. The main characters are Miri,Peder, Marda, Britt, and Esa.They are her friends. Yet at school Miri finds herself competing among the girls' desires to be chosen. And here is a danger coming to the academy. It is Miri, named after a tiny mountain flower, who must find a way to save her classmates, and the chance for the future that each of them is eager to claim as her own.

I like to read novels, so this book was a good book for me and I recommend this book for people that like novels. For me this book was just not that bad, but I enjoyed the story, but I think it is a story that will be forgotten easily. The thing I think I will remember about this book is that "Miri" is named after a flower called Miri. I don't think that I would add this book in to my list of "my favorite books," if I had one.

This is the story of a young girl, Miri, from a remote mountain village. She has the usual preteen angst about her place in her family and wants to grow up so she can help work in the quarry. Their world is turned on end when they find out that is has been divined that the next princess will come from their village. All of the eligible age girls are sent away to an academy where they learn the many aspects of being a princess. This is not your typical tale, as the girls grow and develop and learn to work together to achieve their goals. I liked how Miri gained confidence and how her goals and ideals changed over time . I enjoyed this story and found it to be an interesting idea of the relationship of the villagers with stone and how the girls interacted as part of the academy. I think this would be a great book for the pre-teen/early teen girl. It did start a little slow, but picked up nicely. I liked this one, but not as much as her book the Goose Girl which I highly recommend.

I loved it! This little book was really fun to read. I loved the story with its magical, mystical feel. And I loved how the main character Miri developed throughout the story into a more mature version of herself who was happy being who she was, where she was. She didn't have to change a thing. I can't wait to read the next book.

While sometimes wordy, this book has a really catchy plot that is sure to grab and keep the reader's attention. The characters are fascinating dimensional people that the readers will really come to care about very early on in the storytelling. The story may feel predictable at times, and then all of a sudden it turns around and baffles the reader with astounding twists. It's a Newbery Honor winner, which, for kids, makes for some boring books, but this is a genuinely likable and interesting read, despite Newbery status. The title may involve the word 'princess', but it really isn't an overly girly book at all. It's a surprisingly original work of fantasy, although the storytelling has its low-tempered dull points. The end result of the princess picking is a little rushed, but adorable all the same. The romance throughout the book is subtle but sweet all the same, feeling like a marvelous new beginning rather than an ending.

Rating: 4/5

I picked up this book because I thought that it would be good to read to my granddaughter (now 3) in a few years. She is SO about princesses right now and it seemed like a good story to help her learn that princesses don't have to live for catching the Prince. Like The Paper Bag Princess grows up?

Most of the book fulfilled that idea and I did enjoy reading it myself. I liked Miri and the ways she found to make her way in the world through education and talent. What I didn't like was the kidnapping story as it was too grim for a young child. I see that the reviews list an age range of 5th grade and up. I don't know any kids that age so can't really judge but parents should be aware that there is significant violence in the book.

Miri is a fourteen year old girl who lives in a place called Mount Eskel. Her father and sister work in a quarry and cut blocks of Linder, a very valuable stone, for a living. Miri stays at home and tends to the goats and rabbits and wonders why she is not aloud in the quarry. On day, a man from Ashland, the capitol of the country of Danland, says the next princess will come from Mount Eskel. All girls on the Mountain ages twelve to seventeen are eligible to go to the academy. When the girls get to the academy they clean it up and are taught various subjects. Miri faces some hard decisions and is very brave and talented. Will Miri end up marrying the prince or will she go home and live in the mountain with the guy she has had a crush on for years?

The thing I liked most about this book is how it keeps you reading. It's suspenseful and it never has a dull moment. Another thing I like about the book is that its Characters are easy to follow. You know what all of the characters do and you know all about their lives. The thing that I disliked the most was at the end it just stops so it upsets you because you want to read more. So I really hope there is a sequel to this wonderful book.

I would recommend this book to people who like adventure and suspense. This book is about working hard to get what you want and making the right decisions. It is also about bravery and determination to do the right thing. If you like any of these characteristics then this is the book for you. This book is wild and funny and I hope you enjoy it!

Miri just wants to work in the quarry, but her dad won't let her. In a strange turn of events, the prince of the country her village supposedly belongs to, has to marry a girl from her village. In order to make sure the girl is up to the job of being a princess, an academy is established.

Miri may be considered a little too perfect although her insecurities are endearing and her small triumphs are heartening. This book is not exactly special in the way the characters are but it's written nicely and the interactions are mostly believable.

The only point where I felt the story was incomplete was at the end. One of the character's twists requires somewhat of a suspension of belief although it could be believable because the story doesn't go into the daily lives of nobles very much.

This is definitely a nice stand alone YA novel. It deserves the Newberry Honor.

The fantasy of Princess Academy really captures your imagination. Even though the country of Danland and the territory of Mt. Eskel don't exist, author Shannon Hale also makes you feel as though it was you who lived on Mt. Eskel. The way she described the princess academy also makes you fee like it was you going there.

Miri, the main character, is one of the reasons you'll want to keep on turning the pages of Princess Academy. Although the princess academy itself is where most of the things in the book happen, other things occur. For example, Miri starts to like a childhood friend who secretly likes her. Prince Steffen (the reason the girls go to the academy as he will choose one of them to marry) says he likes Miri the best out of all the girls he's danced with at the ball

Princess Academy is filled with mysterious characters like Britta. She is a "lowlander"* that moved to the mountain after her parents died. At the academy, Britta says that she doesn't know how to read. However, the teacher and all the other girls think that all Lowlanders know how to read. The mystery of Britta was another reason I wanted to keep reading Princess Academy.

A different interesting character is Katar. Esa, a girl who attends the academy describes her as "a thornbush protecting a hare that's too skinny to eat." Usually, Katar acts all stuck up and snobby, but one time Miri finds her crying because she hates the mountain.

Who will be the princess of Danland? Who is Britta? Does Katar really have a kind heart? To find out you'll have to read the book yourself.

* a "lowlander" is a person that doesn't live on Mt. Eskel.

Good news, Shannon Hale fans: Palace of Stone, the sequel to the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, is here, and it's solid as a rock. The story also stands alone, and those who pick up this book without having read the first won't be lost - but if they like life in the Palace, they will hopefully travel back to Princess Academy and read that as well!

When Miri is given the option to live in Ashland for a year to both study and to assist her friend Britta in preparation for her wedding, she seizes the opportunity, though she knows she will miss her father and older sister something terrible during her time away. Temporarily leaving behind the mountain town she loves is difficult, but made easier by those who accompany her on her journey, especially her dearest friend, Peder.

While in Ashland, Miri learns not only from history books and distinguished professors, but also from commoners and nobles alike. She is a country mouse in the big city, and she's eager to explore. She is moved by those she meets who identify as "the shoeless," the lower class, who struggle to make ends meet while the king's people take their food and other creations as tributes. She observes the interactions of the different classes and realizes how their choices and voices impact society and history. A young man named Timon introduces her to a group that's ready to change the ways of their government - by force, if necessary. When political upheaval challenges the palace and puts people she cares about in danger, Miri must draw upon her knowledge and bravery to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.

With politics, ethics, revolution, and a dash of romance, Princess Academy: Palace of Stone is just right for the strong-willed thinking girl who is a future leader (and/or writer) as well as a bibliophile. Consider this:

"Some things are more important than one person. [...] I don't want to live a comfortable, small life. I want to change the world." - Page 94

"Today was amazing. Something bad was going to happen, but then someone took a stand and dozens joined him. I want to be one of those people. The standing ones." - Page 103

Princess Academy: Palace of Stone is sure to please Shannon Hale fans and garner her some new ones.

Attention teachers: This would be a great book to discuss in a school classroom, as it can encourage students to get active in their communities and value their education. In-class assignments could include creating pamphlets and personal letters, and students could talk about everything from monarchies to moving away from home to the ethics of sharing secrets. You could even throw a classroom ball when you've finished the book!

Fans of young adult literature are often called upon to defend it, to explain that YA books are not dumbed down or simplified. Rarely do you hear the same protests from middle grade fans. But the best middle grade books - THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH, A WRINKLE IN TIME, MATILDA - can be read and loved by adults as well as children. Good middle grade fiction doesn't condescend to the reader any more than YA does. And no one could accuse Shannon Hale of condescension in PALACE OF STONE, the second Princess Academy book.

(Be warned: this review spoils PRINCESS ACADEMY.)

Revolution. Miri brought change to Mount Eskel, empowering the poor people of the mountain to ask for a fair price for their labor. The lowlanders noticed, and discontent with the nobility is spreading. And Miri's best friend Britta is about to marry the prince, making her a target for the revolutionaries' rage.

It's been ages since I read PRINCESS ACADEMY. But Hale brought me right back into the world of Danland, and soon I remembered clever, radical Miri and loyal, hardworking Peder and all the rest. Now a lady of the princess, Miri has traveled to capital city Asland to support Britta and study at Queen's College. There she meets Timon, a young boy who introduces her to a group of radicals. She sympathizes with their ideals - until it becomes clear getting rid of nobles means death to nobles.

Much of PALACE OF STONE getting to know and like the members of the Salon, but on the other side, Britta is known and liked. There is no clear cut solution to save the country. There is no dragon to be slayed. And the characters are in mortal danger. Miri could be beheaded for treason. Britta could be beheaded for being the princess-to-be.

I also liked how much of PALACE OF STONE flows logically from PRINCESS ACADEMY. There's the inspiration from Miri's actions mentioned at the beginning of the review. Then there's the fact Britta pretended to be an orphan to reunite with her childhood friend and love. Without her, Miri - a commoner - would be the prospective princess. Miri might've forgiven Britta, but that doesn't mean everyone has. And Danland needs to learn to forgive if it's going to heal the grievances between the peasants and the aristocracy.

PALACE OF STONE is a terrific character-driven political thriller, for kids or not. Fans of history will appreciate the ersatz French Revolution that hangs heavy over the characters' heads. Once again, Hale delivers a terrific story. PALACE OF STONE is worth the wait.

I shouldn't have to say more. I read aloud to my children. "The Tale of Desperaux", "Here Be Monsters", and "Goose Girl" have been winners. "Edward Tulane" is among the sordid, forgotten tales that never engage their imagination.

Getting and keeping the interest of a 5 and 6 year old without pictures is not always easy. Keeping the interest of a 6-year old boy in a story about Princesses is a textbook case in lunacy. But my son wouldn't let me stop. It only took 7 nights to read the entire book.

Yes, it is about a girl at an academy for training rough-hewn mountain girls to be Princess candidates, but it is really about learning and power. It is about finding connection in your home and family and friends and finding strength through knowledge and a strong sense of justice.

It was hard for me to resist reading ahead after they had fallen asleep. Read this book to your children.

I was constantly and delightfully surprised by this book. I found myself humming "Edelweiss" as the story opened in a rough mountain village, where a young girl lives with her father and sister. The story deals with the desires of the young heart: to be useful to her family and community, to earn the love of her distant but protective father, to fit in with the other girls, and to attract the attention of a particular boy. These are the dreams and desires closest to the heart of a young teenager, even if she won't admit it!

This character is given a unique opportunity and challenge when the town is selected as the location of the "princess academy" where the village girls will be prepared to be presented to the prince as marriage prospects. The girls endure the tyrannical methods of a strict an unfair tutor, which eventually brings them together even as their competition sets them against each other.

Human ambition, compassion, friendship, and community are central in this book. The heroine proves that she is valuable to the community even though she is different than the other villagers. She also proves that the less obvious choices are often just as good as the obvious.

It's not what you expect. There is no saccharine in this book - just a great story.

Sometimes you just want to take a break from endless angst and sexual tension of currently popular both adult and YA books and read something light and unoffensive. "Princess Academy" is an excellent choice for this purpose. Although this is an obviously children's book, it is not silly or overly simplistic. The fairy tale is very imaginative and teaches many valuable lessons (importance of education is among many of them), but never in a preachy way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself extending my walks and slowing my driving just to continue listening to this excellent full cast audio. My only complaint was that the main narrator read a little too slowly, I really wanted her to speed it up a bit.

Overall, a great experience. I will definitely read more of Shannon Hale's books when I am in a mood for a nice fairy tale.

Shannon Hale is a special writer and in this book she again comes through with not just a story but with that special writer's ability to turn a tale into a living experience for the reader. She never ends her tales in a conventional way, but always in the best possible way. You will live the life of not only Miri but others to the point you feel you are going to miss them when the book ends. And in sharing their lives your life will become richer. That is what a good writer does. I think Goose Girl is still my favorite but Hale's special magic fills this book with not just a good read but with a super experience. And although I had some concern it might be a little to girlish with all those girls at an academy to learn to be a princess, I found it prefect for all readers.

I just finished reading The Princess Academy and from the beginning I found it to be a wonderful, charming book.

Fourteen year-old Miri lives undisturbed in a rustic mountain town until messengers come to gather all girls between the ages 12 and 17 to be trained to be as a princess so the Prince can make his selection. All the eligible girls in the village are forced to leave their families and receive their princess training.

Miri goes unwillingly. She leaves behind a father and sister. Miri wonders whether or not she is truly missed by her father. A year of training under their strict tutor slowly passes, during which Miri is torn between the conflicting desires of becoming a princess or staying on Mt Eskel with her childhood friend (and hopeful sweetheart) Peder.

Miri is a delightful heroine: cheerful, funny, and determined. The end of the book is exciting and satisfactory. The Princess Academy goes with The Goose Girl and Enna Burning (by the same author) but can stand alone easily. I would recommend this book for girls of all ages if they are looking for a thoroughly enjoyable fairytale.

I always love how real Shannon Hale's characters are. No one is completely good or evil, people make mistakes and people do things for their own reasons that they believe to be just. I also like how she builds the conflict so that things seem to be completely doomed and yet, somehow it always works out well in the end. I loved learning about a culture, people and emotions that seem so honest. Hale definitely has a knack for making you care about events and characters in her books.

It's been a looooong time since I've read the first book in this series, and yet I was able to pick up everything just fine. I'd recommend this to pretty much everyone and anyone!

I first read this book about two and a half years ago. My younger sister was in eighth grade and smack in the middle of a phase that led her to be morbid, distant, and insufferably choosy about which books were acceptable to read. We actually came across Princess Academy at a school book fair and I urged her to buy it after 30 minutes worth of hemming and hawing. "I don't think I'll like it," she said. I offered to read it first and give her a heads up, expecting to read the first chapter that evening and then finish it before the week was out.

Well.

I no sooner finished the first chapter before I thought, "Well, how about another chapter..." which turned into five. The next day, still frustrated by my mother's attempts to make me go to bed before midnight, I finished the book in two hours.

Miri, while young (this was a little bit of a turn-off for me at the beginning), shows a wisdom beyond her years and yet maintains that delicious sense of curiosity that is so common among young teens. The mine workers can speak through the linder, but how, wonders Miri. And I'll be darned if she doesn't do her best to find out.

This book is appropriate for its target age group, but it still captures the hearts of adults and young adults who read it because Shannon Hale so brilliantly describes those feelings we can remember having as awkward fourteen-year-olds, feelings of inadequacy, ugliness, and fear of change. Miri is the poster child for the healthy way to handle these feelings. I happily recommend this book to young readers out there.

My daughter loves these books and they are good AR points. Sometimes getting her to read her level books is difficult and these stories keep her motivated to read more. I think I've bought all the Ever After High series now.

The Princess Academy

Author: Shannon Hale

Ages: 9-13

Stars: ****

Pages: 314

Fantasy

Eleven year old Miri lived up on Mount Eskel, with her father and sister. She really wanted to work in the quarry with the other people. But she was never allowed, she thinks that was because she was too small. The thin air had made her shorter, and made her look younger than her age.

When the prince of her country decided he wanted to marry someone from Mount Eskel, Miri was forced to leave her family, friend, and home to go to an academy. At the academy with other girls her age, Miri must learn to be a princess. Her teacher Ms. Olana has to prepare the girls for a ball, which is where the prince would chose his bride. The best behaved student would be called the Academy Princess, she would make the best impression on the prince at the ball. She would have the most likely chance of being the prince's bride.

At first Miri doesn't want to marry the prince because she likes her life back on the mountains. Then later in the year Miri wants to marry the prince, because she wants her family to have a better life.

But not all went smoothly at the academy. When trouble comes to the academy, Miri tries to get help from her mountain home. Miri thinks that she could communicate by her mind back to her friend in the Alps, Peder. Even though her mountain is a long journey away.

If you want to know what happens to the academy, if Miri becomes the academy princess, and if she'll live happily ever after, YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!

By Eleanor

After attending the Princess Academy in the first book, Miri and her friends leave their mountain home and travel to the city to help the future princess prepare for her wedding. While in the city, Miri attends the Queen's Castle, a prestigious university. Everything seems normal at first, until she learns that a revolution is brewing in the city.

I didn't immediately realize that this book was a sequel, or that I had read the first book in the series several years ago. However, I thought this book was very well written, the characters were engaging, and the plot seems perfect to catch the attention of a teenage audience. Overall, I thought this was a home run.

In the first book, the Mt Eskel girls were taught to read, write and a bit of everything and used that knowledge to better themselves and their village. In this book, they go to be with the princess while she prepares to be married, and while furthering their own studies, each girl kind of falls into a specialization in Asland. Seeking knowledge but accidentally setting off a revolution that almost gets them and all the royal killed.

SUMMARY: Miri lives on secluded Mount Eskel. Here the people live very simply. They mine linder stones from the mountain and sell them to traders. One day, a decree is issued that the next princess of their country will come from Mount Eskel. All girls ages 12-17, including 14 year old Miri, must spend a year secluded in a princess academy where they will learn all the things a princess must know to be proper. Life is hard in the academy, but Miri learns many things about the world and herself that may improve the way of life for everyone on her mountain.

REVIEW: I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I could feel the miners as they worked the stones and as they sang. I could deeply feel Miri's feelings as they shifted and grew. I enjoyed all of the characters. And I especially loved how the ending worked out, not quite as expected, but happiest for all. The thread of quarry speech throughout the book added depth to the story and was quite fascinating. This book is more about the growth of a community through the education of the children, while keeping the bond they share, rather than a typical princess meet prince and falls in love story.
NOTE: Towards the end of the book is a very violent section that includes bandits who hit girls and threaten to kill them by slitting throats.

AGE RECOMMENDATION: I was shocked to see this story advertized for ages 5-8. It is best suited for grades 3-5 as well as mature 2nd graders on a high reading level.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved Miri's story and enjoyed the twists and turns! It was a great princess story. I would recommend it for girls in grades 6-8 (maybe grade 5).

I do have the literature circle edition. As a homeschool mom, I like the questions. They are keyed to Bloom's Taxonomy and they are thoughtful questions. The questions will be helpful for teaching when I read it with my girls when they are old enough. This book tackles a lot of things young girls struggle with--self worth, identity, responsibility, desire to learn, usefulness, value, and friendships. I loved the lessons Miri learns in the book and the ending.

If you liked 100 dresses by Eleanor Estes with your daughter when she was younger, then I think you will really like Princess Academy as well.

When the King's priest decrees that Mount Eskel, a small mountaintop village, is the home of the future princess all the young girls are abuzz with excitement. For most of the villiage girls it means trading in a cold mountain to live in the lush green lowland. It means never having to worry about trade or food? It means a secure future for them and their families.

For Miri, the smallest of the Mount Eskel girls, this news doesn't bring excitement or joy. Always eager to prove her usefulness, for Miri this means leaving the only home she's ever known and loved to move into the Princess Academy - a school set up to better the "unknowing" mountain girls. It means leaving the only home she's ever known and loved.

But it's there, at the Princess Academy, where Miri realizes just how useful she is - not only to the academy but to all of Mount Eskel. She learns to read, write, and the rules of trade - all lessons she could teach to the people of Mount Eskel. Besides those things, it's there that Miri learns how much he mountain means to her, and how much she means to her mountain.

Will all of Miri's hard work pay off? Or will Miri sacrifice the chance to be princess for her beloved Mount Eskel?

Written by acclaimed author Shannon Hale, the Princess Academy is a heartwarming story of the world and one's place within that world.

Hale's writing is exquisite. And what makes it so it the imagery conjured up from the text. The character's are realistically created. Miri and Britta will feel more like best friends readers have grown up with, rather than characters in a story. Mount Eskel pops off the page, so much so readers will be able to hear the query speech the text often refers to, will be able to feel the cool mountain air whip across their face as they read.

Beyond the vivid descriptions, Hale's writing has a lyrically poetic tone to it. Each chapter flows seamlessly into another. Beyond this, as a reader, I especially loved the chapter openings: songs depicting the events of the chapter. These songs aren't tell all, but add a another complex layer to the Princess Academy.

Within the pages of Hales the Princess Academy readers will face hardships, adventure, love, and a life alongside the well crafted characters. When it seems that Danlan has turned their backs on Mount Eskel, reader's will find themselves rooting for the mountaintop village.

Readers will especially root for Miri, a true heroine, that readers will learn from and look up to. She's determined to make life better for, not only herself, but all the people she loves and cares about. Miri is brave. She stands up for what she believes in, even if standing up opens the closet door for punishment. Miri is smart. It's her quick wit and even quicker thinking that gets her and her friends out of trouble.

Readers may judge the Princess Academy solely on the title. It's a "girl" book full of fluff and frills. But the reality is this: it's far from fluff and frills. It's a rough and tough kind of book that suited for all readers - no matter of age, size, or gender.

The Princess Academy is a great read that will leave readers wanting more. And luckily for readers the second installment - The Princess Academy: Palace of Stone - has just recently been released.

Palace of Stone picks up a few months after Princess Academy ends, and immediately throws you right back into the world. Miri is torn from the beginning - does she want to stay in the Capital and continuing learning for as long as she possibly can, or does she stay in the mountains with her family? Thankfully for Miri, the entire group of girls that she has become friends with head to the capital, and along with them is her love Peder. This is one of the wonderful things about Palace of Stone - more Peder! It's fantastic to see more of the boy who Miri is helplessly in love with.

Before Miri even leaves for the capital, Miri receives a letter - something is stirring in the capital, and Miri's insight is needed to prevent everything from falling apart. Beginning is a revolution - with peasant's (the shoeless) who are taxed too highly by noble's who don't care for their people. The shoeless want to completely overthrow their monarchy, and unfortunately this includes Britta, Miri's lowlander best friend who became engaged to the Prince at the end of Princess Academy.

I love that throughout Palace of Stone that Miri is torn - she believes in the revolution, but does she believe in the way they choose to go about it? She believes in Britta and Stefan, but their time to rule and make changes has yet to come. The more Miri learns, both about politics and about the world, the more determined and intelligent her choices become and it's fun for her to see that the world isn't just black and white.

One of the few things I didn't enjoy about Palace of Stone was the inevitable and unavoidable in YA fiction these days - the love triangle. While this was a situation where I can understand with happening (the city boy with learning, or the mountain boy she has loved all her life?) I would've loved to see Miri just torn between her love of learning and her love of her mountain home.

Palace of Stone is a wonderful second book to a series that stood well on its' own to begin with, and I really enjoyed seeing all the Princess Academy girls become a little more fleshed out and finding their place in the world. As with any Shannon Hale book, I have to recommend this to anyone who enjoys strong YA/Middle-grade heroines fighting for what they believe in.

I plan on purchasing this book some day. I think it will be a fun book for my daughter(s) to read when they're a little older (my oldest girl is three). The book is fun, easy to read and very enjoyable. This book contains everything, action, innocent teenage romance, drama and intrigue.

The main character Mira is awesome. Miri is a cool, caring, fiesty character that every young lady/girl should try to emulate.

Great story for girls eight to thirteen and a good story everyone else as well regardless of age.

The only biff I have with this book is that there are so many characters and they have such odd names that it's hard to keep track of whose who and the book is so short that a lot of the lesser characters aren't as well developed.

Overall a great book... a must buy!

How can I find words to describe my adoration for this book? It was completely perfect! I fell in love with Shannon Hale's writing in a whole new way. In so many ways it was almost better than Princess Academy. It was wonderful getting a chance to check up on my old friends from Mount Eskel.

I didn't think it to be possible for Shannon Hale to have improved upon Princess Academy, but I think guess anything is possible! She took off a year after Princess Academy left off, and this time sent the girls down from Mount Eskel, the see what life is like for the other Danlanders.

The new setting was just as vibrant as Mount Eskel, but with a fresh new feeling about it. The reader was experiencing things for the first time along with Miri, and I loved that. Everything felt foreign, but quickly grew friendly and familiar.
I think the reason this book was so amazing and powerful were the lessons it taught. Ethics and Revolution are the two big themes of this book, and they're beautifully presented, without being overly political, and I thought they were handled masterfully.

The one thing I didn't love about this book was Timon. I'm personally not a huge fan of the name, because every time I read it I felt the urge to sing Hakuna Matata. And I just wasn't a big fan of him as a character, though his role was very essential to the plot. He was blinded by power and seemed to be a big fan of "the Greater Good". He acted selfishly, and did some things I couldn't stand. I also didn't enjoy the brief love triangle going on , but of course Miri could sort out who was the better choice ;)

I personally consider this one a little bit more YA than MG because the characters are older and wiser, there are more complicated themes, and there's a little bit of romance. That isn't to say that it's inappropriate at all, I just feel it would be more appreciated by an older reader.

This is a story I stumbled across a few years ago (ok, like 6th grade... I'm a senior now) and end up rereading at least two times a year. For the longest time I didn't actually own a copy, but realized that I might as well buy my own instead of just always borrowing it from the library. Anyways, this book is a wonderful coming of age story. I quickly fell in love with Mira, Britta, and Peder among others. The characters are relatable and real. As far as yay girl-power books come, this ranks high. I would recommend it for that intermediate/early middle school age group, but only because I have friends who would judge me if I told them to read it. As a general rule, go read Shanon Hale's stuff. Its well worth the time.

I think the way Shannon Hale creates a country, culture, and enviroment for Miri is truly inspiring. Miri's surroundings are consistantly used around her to help her. Linder and her mountain are repeatedly wound into the story. At first, she just seems like a timid little girl who doesn't feel she belongs. Eventually however, the reader finds that the inner heroine inside the timid mountain girl saves her mountain... and her people. The book is truly exciting and suspensful. However, my only complaint is the quarry speech. I love the idea and appriciate the use of it in the story, and think it helps evoke a feeling of teamwork, but feel it could be better described of how it works. Overall, an amazing read...

We need more stories like this. More movies like this. We need stories of women, young women and girls making a difference, shedding the shackles of tradition and writing history. If we fill the minds of our daughters with stories like this -- where the important thing is growth and change, not just getting the prince -- when they become women, it will be a part of them too.

The poor quarry village atop Mount Eskel was probably the last place in Danland anyone would go to look for a princess, and yet it was foretold by the priests that the future bride of the prince would be found in just that remote, chilly spot. Danlandian tradition dictates that a Princess Academy be created to school the candidates in the finer arts of Conversation, Diplomacy, History and Poise. Under the instruction of strict Tutor Olana, Miri and the other girls learn these lessons and others during the long winter.

While seeking an understanding of Commerce, Miri stumbles upon the true value of their village's only resource, the ultra-rare building stone linder. In forced isolation inside Olana's closet, Miri begins to learn a secret that she has only barely touched upon before attending the Academy-initiating quarry-speak, the form of mental communication that is the deep-rooted strength of their village. And all the girls, including lowlander Britta, broad-shouldered Frid, and brusque Katar, are driven to think of their real goals beyond the dangling carrot of becoming a princess of Danland.

Potentially the best of the 2005 awards crop, this Newbury Honor book by the author of Goose Girl and Enna Burning richly deserves the buzz of nomination. Shannon Hale delivers a fantasy with spunk and heart inside what could so easily be a stale tale retold. The villagers of Mount Eskel are drawn with keen attention to characterization, with cultural grace notes adorning interaction and conversation like jewels in a tiara. Even Olana is given depth and humanization beyond the mere role of antagonist to Miri's heroine. The ending itself holds more than one surprise that will bring smiles at the resolution of many threads. This is a book worth reading for the target age group of 9-12 year old girls, who won't need any prodding to pick this up, and for all ages, including adults, who won't regret it.

When I heard the title of Shannon Hale's new book, I was deathly curious to see what she'd do with such an idea. I should have known she would give the concept of a school for princess candidates such an unusual spin. When their prince must choose a bride from the girls of Mount Eskel, their government sets up a school where they will learn a lady's skills from a noble tutor, Olana, who punishes the girls for the smallest infraction of her rules. Miri, the smallest of the girls, comes to the school feeling unworthy already--her mother died giving birth to her; her father doesn't allow her to work in the quarry like the other girls, so she feels she doesn't contribute. The main story is hers, as she is first the academy outcast. She finds the way to teach herself the quarry speech, the silent conversation used by those who mine Eskal's linder rock, then discovers the miners are being cheated in the sale of linder. As Miri grows bolder in her discoveries, so do the other girls. They change the aspect of the school and what it means to the people of the mountain and to the girls it is preparing to be princess candidates. These are not wimploid girls to begin with, and what they learn is never what the reader expects. I recommend this book to anyone who likes girls who stand up for themselves and for the people they care about!

It was the other reviews that got me to read this book. Well, that and the fact that my library had it. Oh, and I didn't read it, I listened to the audio production. Which was pretty well done. I mean, I differ with some of the interpretations, but I assume the author agreed with them so, there you go.

Ok, from a guys perspective, and one that has recently been reading a lot of YA distopian stuff, and that likes to write by YA distopian stuff and YA romanceish stuff, I was pretty impressed with this YA romanceish thing. I mean, it was a chick book, so my expectations weren't stellar. But pretty good. The audio version handled the quarry talk stuff pretty well. Oh, and it had some sci-fi-ish or fantasy-ish elements, which some people didn't like but I did.

I thought the tensions worked pretty good. I liked the, well, that would be a spoiler, but it was well foreshadowed and it was really cool when the villagers all came and, well, that's a spoiler too. A bit unrealistic, but well handled otherwise, you know, for a chick book. Hardly anybody got killed, and way too little gore but, again, it was a chick book.

But, guys, skip the ending. Invent one in your own head, but skip the ending. It's a total cheat. All the tensions just kind of, well, that would be a spoiler. Just skip the ending.

Don't let the childlike title and cover art fool you. This is a surprisingly deep and mature story. It has romance, action, mystery, self-discovery, and magical elements, all embedded within a unique plotline that kept me turning pages. The characters are interesting and multi-layered. The writing is beautiful and literary -- simple enough for my twelve-year-old daughter, but complex enough to keep an adult like me interested. I've avoided this book on my bookshelf for several months because it looked so childlike and simple. But my daughter praised it, so I reluctantly picked it up. And I'm so glad I did! I highly recommend it for anyone 9 years or older, especially girls and women.

Another reason I like this book, is that Ms. Hale, writes so that you feel you are Miri. No matter what type of personality you have, you can always relate to Miri, and can picture yourself with Miri. You can feel the tension, the happiness and the fright, one after the other.

Read the book, `Princess Academy', and join Miri as she courageously does one brave act after the other, learns how to act like a princess, and adjusts to her new life, that has been changed by love and knowledge. I recommend this book to anybody who has read any books from Shannon Hale, or who likes a little bit of romance, and a lot of adventure.

This book was my introduction to Shannon Hale's writing. The characters are well-developed, the landscapes and locations are described vividly, and the ending is very satisfying. The world Shannon Hale has created for these characters is also very unusual and interesting, and her development of the mining town and its culture contributes greatly to the fullness of the story.

I found some of the scenes in the Academy schoolroom to be reminiscent of Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess (another of my all-time favorite books) -- the way that Miri interacted with her classmates reminded me a litle of Sara Crewe (defying a bully, protecting a younger classmate, etc.). The rest of the stories are very different from each other, however. Perhaps the schoolroom scenes are similar because they are both girls' boarding schools, and some behaviors in that setting can be expected (such as competition for being the best in the class, and clique formation).

Overall, I thought this book told a great story, with memorable characters and an exciting conclusion. It is a great way to introduce yourself to Shannon Hale's other books.

"Princess Academy" is a great, great story; well-deserving of the Newberry Honor it received. But the audiobook isn't quite as good. The main problem is the narrator. Her voice is just so flat and colorless, especially at the beginning, she gets a little better as the story progresses. Another thing that bothered me was that the voices of a few of the academy girls sound so similar, it's difficult to tell them apart, Miri and Essa for example. But in spite of that, it's definitely worth listening to, some of the performances are really good, and I would certainly recommend it if you are a fan of the story.

This is a delightful tale for all ages, full of hope, exploring our hearts' desires, daily struggles, human relationships, and finding our way in this world. Soul searching, while attempting to discover meaning in life, is very much a part of this age-old story retold so beautifully by Ms. Hale. The girls' hope to be chosen by the prince as his princess is something we can all relate to.

While the story recognizes deeper and larger issues such as how society views differing classes and the often overwhelming and almost hopeless struggle to achieve success (or what we believe to be success), the fairy tale nature of this book makes it charming and engaging, presenting only gentle and subtle messages.

Though this story likely will appeal mainly to girls, it is an entertaining tale for all ages and peoples. Even boys and men should be encouraged to read this book, if only to gain a greater understanding of girls and women - their hopes, dreams, reasoning, and challenges.

Ms. Hale tells a timeless tale which proves that girls never really change. Times change, and surroundings change, but girls never really change. I truly believe that "a fairy lives in every girl's heart." Having read The Princess Academy, I now also believe that every girl is a princess, even grown up girls.

J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles

I think what it boils down to is, I am definitely not the target audience for this book. Young girls (around 12 years old) should enjoy it (I'm pretty sure they'll love it). Being far older than that (in my very late 20s) and having read too much YA (why is there so much YA?) I found it predictable and only mildly entertaining. I'm pretty sure that if I'd come across the book 15 years ago, I would have been much more likely to view it more favorably. As it is, this is a book I would give to my young daughter, if I had one.

I love Miri and her independence and confidence and compassion for her mountain people. I had to force myself to pick up this book because I'm SO not into princesses. However, Miri and her sister and pa and friend Peder lead interesting quary lives, and then,I was kept guessing at the outcome of someone (Miri) who could want and hate the thought of being picked to be the princess.

An excellent read for middle grade girls -- even those who resist princesses.

I actually had to put Palace of Stone down for a few days to catch my breath, I was holding it for so long! This tale is gripping and it sucks you in... The story is so real that I want to keep my eyes open for precious Linder and put my ear to the ground to hear its history. Miri and the rest struggle with mixed feelings and unexpected growth that are so much a part of human nature. Miri feels like a part of my family and I'm proud of her bravery. She is a good example to those of us who struggle for personal improvement and self-understanding. Maybe I can grow up to be like her!

As a 20 year old English major, Princess Academy fell far short of my expectations. This is probably very much so because of the high expectations I hold for literature having studied so much in my experiences in college. However, Shannon Hale's audience is not 20 year old English majors like myself. Her audience is a much younger generation, and as a result I've had to look at Princess Academy as a novel designed for what I would guess as a 12-ish year old audience. In this view, Princess Academy is most definitely a success. Her writing style matches the reading capabilities of the younger generation, and the novel addresses a number of issues relevant to young women. The protagonist, Miri, is a strong young woman who sticks up for what is right even at the cost of punishment. She is the type of girl who really isn't afraid to stand out--a character I believe stands as a good model for middle school girls who are often faced with situations that involve the choice of doing what is "popular" over doing what you believe.

It's also interesting the way that Hale sets up the novel. In the beginning, it's very much a classic fairy tale structure: tons of girls from a small town are gathered to be trained to be worthy of marriage to a prince. Hale sets up a story that coincides with many of the ideals and silly dreams that young girls often hold. Every girl wants to be a princess and marry her prince. For individuals like myself, this raises some red flags--you want young girls to be strong and develop themselves and not simply depend all of their happiness on the thought of having Prince Charming come and rescue them. However, as the story develops, Hale completely addresses this concern. Miri is set up as the princess and thus naturally is expected to marry the prince, however, instead she really thinks about it as a decision, not a reward, and ultimately comes to choose a different life than that with the prince. You see the traditional transform into the unconventional as Miri embodies to ideas of free thinking, passion, courage, and independence. This style is very smart, in my opinion. Hale sets up a traditional plot that instantly will grasp the attention of her audience, yet twists it at the end to communicate the greater themes that she wishes to instill in them. As a result, I believe that the book is a good pick for younger audiences because it has the plot that the individuals will inherently love, all while having the themes and lessons that older generations would want them to learn. Not my personal favorite, but definitely a book I would very much recommend for my younger sisters.

The Princess Academy was great.

The main character really develops throughout the story, and secondary characters develop as well. If anyone can give secondary characters some depth, it's Shannon Hale.

Hale doesn't just build great characters, she builds a great culture. She builds the village around her characters and we truly understand what it's like to live in this remote mountain village- both the pros and the cons.

I think this was a great book. A pirnce from the lowland decides that he will pik his princess from Mount Eskel. So all eligible girls needs to attend the academy and Miri is one of the girls. Miri goes to the academy to prepare for the lowlander life. When Miri learned how to quarry speach was a great part in the book and also the part when they all ran away from the evil Tutor Olana. I don't want to give away the whole story so I'll stop telling everything but Princess Academy is a wonderful book and I hope every gets a chance to read it.

The first I've herad of this book is when it is featured as a must read for the month book in every magazines I've read at that one particular month. Months went by and the book never left my mind, so I've decided to pick it up and read it. And what a surprise I get! It's a bit slow for me in the beginning but the pace races up to my kind of speed shortly after.

This book follows the life of a mountain girl named Miri, the daughter of a quarrier and a younger sister to Marda. Miri, unlike any other children in Asland, Miri is forbiddened to join the rest of the population to work the quarry. She is pretty small for her age and not strong enough for hard labor like the rest. The establishment of the Princess Academy in search of a bride for Prince Steffan, brought in most of the eligible girls in Asland to prepare themselves with studies and proper ethics fit for a queen. Miri and the girls were taught buy a very strict tutor, who would gives out strict punishment for the smallest out of place behaviors and wrong answers. Miri grew estranged from her classmates due to this cause she kept on getting everybody in trouble because she has a smart mouth, even her close friends are avoiding her. Miri, some where along the line, while studying alone in class since everybody is ignoring her, decided to bury herself in the books available and found ways to improve their lives in the mountains.

The Princess Academy stories read like the classic fairy tales. Hale writes a creative tale with relatable characters that develop as the story unfolds. The story is fanciful without being unrealistic. I'm sure I'll gain more the next time I read this - and it is the type of book that can be read over and over again.

Excellent Book! Well written and well paced. The characters are complex and endearing. The drama and excitement exists although does not rise and fall dramatically. Ultimately it’s a cozy novel to fill a pleasant afternoon.

This is a captivating story from start to finish. Though not your usual "princess" story, it's quite compelling, full of intrigue, excitement, danger, and young love. It takes us into a different world, a harsh world, where making friends, testing loyalties, studying hard to learn, and sharing secrets is hard fought and won. I couldn't put it down and look forward to the next installment.

My all-time favorite book. The title is misleading, this book is not about princesses. It is about what happens when you give young women education and opportunity, and how they can change the world. Get this for the young leader of tomorrow in your life.

Just finished reading this to our 9 year-old daughter, after having read it a few years ago to her sister. It held up remarkably well. It is well written (not all books hold up to reading out loud), with plenty of suspense, a little magic, and hints of the complexities of adolescence when in a group setting. Besides it being a good story, it offers a strong, insightful main character.

I had high hopes for this book since it was a Newberry Honor book and carried a high rating. I'll freely admit to loving young adult fiction even now as an adult; I love how free the stories are from the drudgery of adult life.

This isn't to say the book was terrible--it just wasn't one of those young adult books that transcends its genre. It would have been a fine story if I had been 11... but, at nearly 30, I found it predictable and shallow.

This book has a strong female main character. It stands up for girls working together, surviving together, rescuing their world and making it a better place. I can see 10 year old being inspired by this book.

Every time I pick up one of her books I am completely blown away. She simply has a way with words that draws you in and keeps you enthralled in this world that she has created.

Miri is one of the most interesting characters that I've read in a long time. She aches to fit in, and I think that most of us can relate to her desire to be loved and needed.

This book runs the gamut from hilarious to tears. And overall there is this idea that a princess can come from anywhere. Anyone can be a princess. But what are you willing to give up to be one. A question that all the girls in this amazing novel must question.

Amazing book. Look for other books by Shannon Hale. I know I am.

I like to read some of the books before recommending them to my kids. As an adult, I just loved this book. This author has a beautiful style of writing. It just flows and keeps your interest at all times. I also read Goose Girl and Ella Enchanted during the same time period. I think this story was the best out of the 3. My daughter is only 8 but I think when she is 10 or 11, I will encourage her to read this.

I've read and enjoyed several of Shannon Hale's novels, including Goose Girl, Book of a Thousand Days, and Princess Academy. Her wit and clarity of expression are wonderful, but I am especially impressed with her graphic and imaginative descriptive phrases. "A world as dark as eyes closed," "smelling dawn seeping through the cracks", "wagons squeezing up the mountain pass," and "gloom hanging heavy like wet clothes" leave no doubt in the reader's mind the scenes she is trying to describe. Absolutely delightful!
I'm envious!

In the setting of a mountain quarry village, 12 to 17 year old girls are taken from their homes and trained in the social graces and intelligence of being a "princess" in the hopes that the single prince will choose one of them to be his bride the following year. As with many other princess-type books, the girls have to learn some things that are quite dumb like not to question authority, how to hold conversation in a doesn't say anything, and how to stand up straight. However, one girl, Mira, learns the importance of one thing they study: commerce. Through this revelation, she is able to change her village's economy and find a better niche for herself. The whole saga with the prince was disappointing, as he was neither interesting himself, nor interested in any of the girls who had worked so hard all year in preparation for his arrival. I think the redeeming value of this book is that working hard at study will improve your ability to help yourself and others.

Princess Academy is a great book, and a perfect summer read for adolescent girls. The author does a wonderful job of describing the characters, as well as the world that they live in, and makes good use of creative metaphors. Many unique ideas appear throughout the text; it doesn't feel derivitave or cliched. The ending, in particular, manages to be surprising and satisfying while still retaining a "happily ever after" feel. Overall, it's endearing, original, and a fun, breezy read (the 300+ pages go at a fast clip), for those who have outgrown Cinderella but still enjoy the magic of fairy tales. Not to mention the lovely cover art!

This coming of age story is appealing for the characters and for the connection in their lives to the mountain. I am always fascinated by books about schools and children, as I find it very interesting to see what adults consider important to teach children and how. Nevertheless, the important thing here isn't really the school, but is rather the lure of the fancy "lowlander" life vs. the more simple life of the people on the mountain, whose main source of income is the rock quarry.

The only thing I didn't particularly care for was the resolution of the life of the character Britt. The explanation of her circumstances was a bit too facile and abrupt.

This is not a glitzy book with modern royalty obsession, though it does cover some of the same territory: learning manners, etiquette, and how to behave at a ball. The emphasis here, though, is on empowering rural mountain people through reading and education in commerce to make their lives better. Mira, the main character, and the other girls learn to read and ultimately improve the lives of their entire community.

All in all, though, I really enjoyed this book. Some books I feel I SHOULD enjoy and struggle to finish, but this one I read straight through, putting aside all other distractions. That has to say something about the book.

This is one of my favorite books OF ALL TIME!! I read all the bad reviews for this book, and let my tell you, they are LYING!!!! I am an avid reader and read a book a day, so my favorites arent just the only good books ive read! Miri is an enchanting character, with a good personality. The book had me hooked and i read it 3 times in a row front to back! If you like Shannon Hale's other books you will love this one too!! A must read for all ages alike.

I loved this story! Miri grows and learns and matures and makes an impression on those she comes in contact with. Her friends are each unique and bring depth and humor to the story. The action is intense, and the love story is authentic and tugs the heartstrings. I hope there are more stories about Miri and her friends the future. Terrific read!

In beautiful Shannon Hale fashion, the story was both lyrical and fun. Miri in the middle of a revolution just made sense; she's a person who looks at the world to discover how her presence can improve it. I think we could all use a little more of that. I also loved the Rhetoric rules she learned and put into practice, keeping with the rules of Conversation and Diplomacy she learned in Princess Academy. I kind of want to type up all those rules and put them up as a reminder on my wall. Or on the walls in lots of public places. Or on every "comment" form on every controversial online article ever.

But what I was thinking about most as I read it was first love. We have so many young adult novels that center around first loves--and make them last forever. As if the person you fall in love with at age sixteen is the person you'll love when you're ninety.

The rest of my review is at [....]

this book was some what dissapointing because it was not near as descriptive and conflict filled as The Goose Girl, (the only other shannon hale book i have read) or as exciting. but it does have a good story line and i found it quite a appealing book. she was quite creative with her characters, and throughout the book you find out more and more hidden secrets that they keep burryed deep down within themselves. a good book worth buying any day.

Shannon Hale did a great job of making an entertaining and romantic story. Miri couldn't work in the quarry and felt left out but then she gets a chance to do- be something special. I think shannon hale did awesome on ' princess academy ' and I can't wait to see what happens next to the mountain girls.:)

great sequel to the first book!!! miri is DEFINITELY getting more mature. if you liked the first book you will probably LOVE this one. TOTALLY. period. cool. period. book. period. i DEFINITELY recommend it!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :( NOT!!! :D

I expected a bowl of very special mint ice cream (meaning very good), but got instead what is called vanilla ice cream with pickles and pasta that has not been cooked and spinach on top (meaning not very good). I was looking forward to something much more, especially after my best friend told me it was at the level of Harry Potter. Saddly, it was not.

Well, why not? The book has a good cover. A good name. It is a bestseller. It even won an award. This book should be perfect by all accounts!

Well, not for me.

I had sat down on my bean bag chair and started reading, the wind was blowing in my face from the window. After the first chapter I gulped. The book was not exactly going my way. As far as I knew, the main character, Miri, is 14, she lives in Mount Eskel, which is above the lower lands and is called the higher lands; it is a mountain, of course. And every year there are traders who come from the the low lands. Miri, I guess, likes that. She lives with her father and older sister, Marda. This book, by the way, is supposed to tell about things happening in the 1700 or 1800 century.
Did I mention that she has this giagantic love thing on this boy Peter?

The reason it's called Princess Academy is because there is a prince, and he is looking for a bride. So any girl under 16 has to go to Princess Academy, to live and to learn how to be a princess, because, at the end of the year, they all go to a royal ball and they might be chosen by the PRINCE!

Okay, I've done my summary. If you think the book sounds good, go to your public or private library (depending how rich you are, I guess) and check out this book, Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale. Perhaps, you have a much different taste than me.
However, if you agree with me and think I'm correct that this book has some shortcomings, well-
also, I would love it if you commented on my review!
Thank you!

Here is probably the most important thing you were looking for, anyway.

Reasons I Did Not Approve Of This Book:

* There is this thing called Quarry singing in this book, when someone sings a special song, another person can read their mind, and that part is annoying, because it sounds so unrealistic.

* You can predict the ending.

* It describes nothing about the Princess Academy building. It lacks good descriptions, to be honest.

* Where is the suspense? The interesting characters?

Well, you might have your own reasons.

I suggest, you get the book at a local library (private librarys cost money, you know), then, if you like it, read it. I hope you found my review helpful. (Post a comment).

Happy Reading and the store shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Princess Academy is a kind of book that you can't stop reading. You never know what will happen next until you get there. Each chapter your emotion changes with the story. It makes you feel like your in the story experiencing everything thats happening. This book keeps you at the edge of you seat the whole time you read it. After you finish you want to turn to your friend and tell them about it. In quarry speech.

Really enjoyed this book even though in the beginning I was a little confused with where it was going. I think it was also geared towards adults as well to children because each can learn something different from this book. I liked the ending as well and the twist even though I wish there was a sequel of some sort to see where all the girls are now and how the princess academy changed them.

This is a great story for all ages. Granted it doesn't have the same depth as The Goose Girl or Enna Burning, Princess Academy is a preteen friendly story for many a young woman. It teaches the values of choosing between ideals and what actually makes a person happy. Miri is a young girl with shortcomings of her own that many can relate to. There are, however, some darlings the author could have 'killed' (Faulkner) but there not too much where the story is one big, cushiony tall of fluffy goodness.

I think Princess Academy is an interesting book.If I had to grade Princess Academy I would give it an A+ or 100 or however you want to put it.Princess Academy is about a girl named Miri who lives on Mount. Eskel. Miri is named after a tiny mountain flower.The king only likes Mount. Eskel for its linder, a strong stone that only grows on the mountain. In this story Miri has to attend an academy to learn how to be a princess.But she has a miserable time being hit with switches and shut in a closet. All to see a prince who is much like Miri.But when she finds out the traders secret life on the mountain becomes better.When danger comes to the academy its up to Miri to get them out. I hope you read princess academy.It is an awesome book.In the story Miri learns that even the smallest of creatures can make a BIG difference. But what I like most about this book is that there is a suprise at every turn.Just keep in mind when you read this book ITS NO ORDINARY FAIRY TALE!!!

After reading The Goose Girl, a very good book by the way, I was having high hopes for Ms. Hale's newest novel. When I recieved the book I read it immediatly, finishing it in a day. I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing was still superb with all the eloquence of the previous book. The thing that bothered me about The Princess Academy was the plot and the some of the ending. The plot was completely different than the last book and different isn't necessarily bad, but it didn't compare.

The ending with Britt was also quickly introduced without much build-up. I rather enjoyed Miri's ending though. She was a character who had a lot of depth and I could relate to her.

All in all, the novel was enjoyable and was just another example of Ms. Hale's wonderful writing skills.

I decided

I feel like I should break into song, "The hills are alive, with the sound of music. . . .ah ah ah ahhhhhhhhh."

This is such a refreshingly, tender, sweet, empowering, impressive, lyrical tale - just chock full of words of wisdom.

~*~*~The poetry and songs throughout are beautiful.~*~*~

Shannon Hale, I'm a HUGE fan.

My daughter bought this book with her hard earned allowance, but didn't get around to reading it for a couple of weeks. I, however, picked it up soon after coming home from the bookstore...and didn't put it down. A beautiful story that appeals in so many ways. After my repeated nagging of "you will LOVE this book" my daughter (9yo) has read it and said to me the other day "Mom, you were right, I did LOVE that book."
Any book that has my daughter saying those words (especially the "you were right") is worth it's weight in gold.

I enjoy Shannon Hale's writing. I meant to read this right when it was published, but somehow never got to it until now. Good news for me, it is excellent, nearly as good as the original. Some of the girls from the academy get the chance to travel to the capital where they discover trouble is brewing. They must use their learning along with their provincial judgment keep themselves and their friends from harm.

Are you looking for adventure? Relaxation? Maybe a little bit of tension? Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, is the right book for you. This book is filled with excitement, adventure, and so much more.
The story starts in a quarry on Mount Eskel, but most of the story takes place at the academy on Mount Eskel. The setting is quite believable. I always envision the academy as a large, square, one-story building. Not much grows on Mount Eskel but the miri flower.
The book is about a girl named Miri who has to go to an academy with all of the girls from Mount Eskel who are the right age to become princess of Danland and its kingdom. Tutor Olana is terribly strict. She has understandable rules, but what I don't like is that she is very much a linguistic precisionist about the rules and her punishments are unbearable for the girls: terrible and senseless. will Miri and the other girls find a way to make time at the academy easier and get more visits home for themselves? Or will they get trapped into more hand lashings, visits to the closet, and other punishments of Olana's invention? To find out, read Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale.

This was another book I had recommended to me by my librarian friend who so far can't miss with titles. I adore Shannon Hale's books. They're so different--I love going to new places where I can see and feel and taste and feel I'm there. This one has you rooting for the heroine, who is made of tough stuff and yet is a very real, very normal girl. Wonderful story!

I love this story as I have loved all of Shannon Hales books. I know I can read these out loud to my daughters without having to worry about skipping over bad language or other stuff. She gives you really good enjoyable characters that you can feel good about getting to know. I would recommend any of her books to anyone. They are all very good reading :)

I read this book all in one evening and thoroughly enjoyed it! The characters, including Lady Miri were wonderful, and though the storyline was predictable (it is juvenile fiction, after all), there were themes and ideas expressed in this book that brought up memories and opinions of the same in books like Les Miserables and The Princes of Ireland (Rutherford), which I've read recently. Revolution, education as a source of light for humanity, the rich against the poor, the power of leaders and the power of the people - these themes were all touched upon in such a way that they would be understandable and relatable to the audience.

Enjoyable and thought provoking. An excellent sequel.

After reading the Goose Girl series, and Book of a Thousand Days, I was dismayed to discover that I'd never heard of Princess Academy. I immediately went out and grabbed a copy.

As usual, Ms. Hale's lyrical prose, strong character development, an exceptional story telling has once again left me wanting more.

I won't take time re-telling the story (many other posts here do a great job), but I do encourage anyone (regardless of age!!!) to pick up a Shannon Hale book. They are all wonderful!

Expensive read by award-winning author. Very age-appropriate in language, values, and suspense. This old fart liked it even though read for friend's daughter who's home-schooled. Hope a lot of other books by this author are available on Kindle -- and at a more reasonable price.

I was looking for a book for our extended family book club, and I loved Princess Academy. It is well-written, and a very enjoyable read in its own right. Also, there are plenty of interesting conversation starters to use with the kids, and nothing objectionable to make me think twice about having my children or my nieces and nephews read it. It is one of those rare books that could be enjoyed by a wide range of ages. I would definitely recommend it.

I read Goose Girl and loved it. Heard about Enna's Burning and need to read it. Read The Princess Academy and was disapointed.

I have to admit that I was a touch disapointed by The Princess Academy. First, there really wasn't a lot of action that I had seen in Goose Girl. Second, the plot lacked substance. Third, who wants to hear about 'quarry language' or whatever it was.

It wasn't a magical story; rather, a story of a young girl who just wants glory for herself, her family, and her village. A story of a young girl who is too small to amount to anything but housework-and killing rabbits.

I thought it sounded like an ancient Mayan or Incan land or a place like China--Not that that's bad, but if it's a fantasy story, shouldn't it be somewhere with a little more, shall we say, imagination?

However, I would suppose the good points of this story are:

1) The young girl receives the glory she's always wanted

2) She and young Peder share a budding relationship

3) She wins the respect of her fellow students with her quick thinking and level head.

4) She befriends the girl that no one would speak to--and wins a loyal friend.

Overall the book isn't terrible. I really hope that any more books that Shannon writes will be more interesting and just as good as Goose Girl.

I hope I didn't offend anyone who thinks this book is awesome...I'm just expressing my opinion--which, according to my little brother, counts for nothing :)--so, please, if the book seems interesting to you, read it. Decide for yourself.

Loved this book. Yes, it is a very quick read. However, I was entranced from the first chapter until the last page. I am a 25 year old college graduate and did not feel that this book was only for children. Give it a try...despite the cringe-worthy title...you won't be sorry.

A fun book that digs into deep concepts and emotions (revolution, ethics, justice, love, etc) without being graphic or crude. A mystical land of magic, but so easy to relate to and understand. Characters that feel like your friends. Make sure to read princess Academy first, this is the second book in the series. I highly recommend this series for adults and children alike.

This is a fun tale featuring a young mountain girl, Miri, forced to undergo Princess training as a potential bride to the prince. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the title, everything else was great. The characters were all complex and believable and the pacing was first rate. I couldn't put the book down and was sad when it ended.

I loved the book! Shannon Hale does such a great job of developing the characters and making an exciting story. The way Miri takes part in the "revolution" in Danland made me reflect on what I would have done in her place. I love books that get me thinking and this one did just that!

I loved this book! In fact, reading all this Shannon Hale makes me feel like a really bad writer because she is so amazing. Every sentence she writes is smooth, her imagery is beautiful, and her characters are increasingly likable. This one was also clean. What's not to like?

Slow beginning, but a very nice ending. I thought it would be more upbeat and fun, but the themes of poverty and bullying were well done. It's always fun to read about a strong-willed girl who gets the glory she deserves

This is a wonderful coming of age book for a young teenager or a preteen girl. The writing flows smoothly and it is very well written. The idea behind it is wonderful. It fully illustrates how even those that feel left out, or just generally different can find their own strengths, develop them and make their differences into assets that help them find a place in the larger society around them. I picked it up for pleasure reading and found that it touched on so much more. There are even book club questions in the back! After I read it, I passed it on to a friend that is a teacher for her to use in her class. If you read this book, you will love it. I'm going to be reading more from this author!

I thought that this book was one of the best i have ever read. It is good for all ages. I couldn't put this book down- it got you hooked- and after you were done i wanted to read other books by Shannon Hale. I love the action and romance in Princess Academy. Another great book of her's is Goose Girl.

This book is by far the best book I have ever read. I stayed up until 12:00 reading it! And as I did so, I was miri. Felt the emotions, hoped, and felt sorrow. I felt awfully warm when miri was around peder, and I felt the same way as midi did for him. I am totally rereading the book!

Highly recommended. While a story about girls trapped in a school with a stern mistress may seem familiar, there is much more going on here. Miri is a wonderfully strong character whom readers will admire and relate to. Subplots about kidnappers and commerce (more interesting than you think) flesh out the book and give Miri opportunities to learn about herself and her world. But the most intriguing aspect of the book is the notion of "quarry-speech," a mode of communication used solely by Miri and her kinfolk. It really had me enthralled.

This is another of my "good, clean fun" favorite books. The characters are engaging and the storyline doesn't turn out like you'd expect. The world-building is good, and the pacing is excellent. It's a book that leaves you feeling good.

Genre Reviews
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I'm new to Shannon Hale's writtings but I enjoyed this book. The main character, Miri, is a girl who lives with her sister and her father in a territory called Mount Eskel, the lither,an expensive stone, capital of the country of Danland. The kingdoms magicians say that the prince is to be married to someone in Mount Eskel, so all girls are sent to an academy to learn to become civilized enough to beome the princess. It was good and I read it in one day, even though it has 314 pages. Hope you enjoy it.

I've been reading this book for a literal decade. I purchased it when I was seven in a school book fair, and today I read it again. It's a special story, it teaches that education is true power, and that your ideas are just as relevant as the next person.

This book has been a source of happiness every time I've read it. Give it to your daughters, and sons, and use it as a tool to show them what a good, simple story can be.

hmmm lots of put down here in the reviews I have to say the reason I came on this page was that I was researching to see if there was any news of a part 4 i've enjoyed all these books over and over and hope more are forthcoming soon

I loved it! This book teaches about how to get along with people, and about how people you don't like might be quite similar to you, in reality. It also teaches self-reliance, as Miri makes her way through difficult situations. Now that I think about it, I'd say that the theme: "They may look different but they're not really" is quite strong in this book. Great book for anyone to read!

I had read this as a child and forgotten it, so I was pleased to rediscover it today. Written with a historic feel and a realistic yet fantastical setting, this book was quite a pleasant read, and definitely written well. While there were a few very small typos, I'd have to say that Princess Academy is certainly the kind of book that can be savored. In all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book (again) :D

Shannon Hale writes the best books! I haven't been disapionted yet! I hope she keeps writing.
Every book Hale writes is action filled, suspensful, and just plain amazing! I highly recomend Princess Academy, the Goose Girl books, and any other of her books!

I really enjoyed this tale of a young mountain girl who's village is chosen to have the next queen to be. Ms. Hale does a great great developing the character of Miri from this young insecure girl to the one the others in her village look up to.