Customer Reviews

Warrior Princess

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When Branwen was little her brother Geraint would tell her old nursery stories of Pooka's and Coblyn's and Gwyllion's. When she was little he told her stories of the Shining Ones. They were the Old Gods, the forgotten Gods, and it was forbidden to talk of them.

When Branwen was younger her brother Geraint gave her a slingshot that she taught herself to use and to hunt with. When she was younger he taught her to handle a sword if ever she had a need to defend herself. However these lessons were always with swords of wood and always held in secret.

Now Branwen had watched as her brother Geraint displayed bravery and courage when faced with the enemy. She stood and watched as he was killed, she stood and did nothing. But what could she have done against a band of armed men, she was after all still a child.

Sent far from home to an unfriendly place with strange customs, Branwen stumbles upon a grove, a place once held sacred but now believed haunted. Here a choice must be made, follow her duty and her parents' wished to a loveless marriage far from her home, or follow her destiny and the wild and pitiless Old Magic of Rhiannon, a Shining One, to an unknown future as a warrior.

Rhiannon of the Spring has returned to save a land in danger. Warrior Princess Branwen must learn to cope with grief and loss as she makes a choice between her duty to others and following her own heart. A fantasy adventure based on Welsh mythology, this is a journey of discovering belief in oneself and about standing up for what is right, even if you stand alone. Do not be put off by the cheesy description of this book; what's inside is well worth the read.

Warrior Princess by Frewin Jones follows the story of Branwen after her brother is murdered and she is banished to a nearby kingdom of Prince Llew, an alley of her father's. While she is used to the life of a warrior maiden, she must now become used to the life of a pampered princess. The only problem with that, besides the fact that she is teased and taunted for her strength and her mastery with a slingshot, is that a falcon follows her and a goddess insists she fulfills her destiny as a Warrior Princess.

I found this book by way of Frewin's other books, the Faerie Path series, and figured I'd try this out. In a way, it reminds of me of Xena Warrior Princess series, only for teens. Granted, it's not exactly the same but there are some similarities.

Overall, I thought this book was pretty good. Branwen was a pretty good strong character who learns her lesson that you don't disagree with a goddess. The goddess came to her several times and each time Branwen ignored her, there were consequences.

The book ends with a decision that Branwen must make that will determine her path. Her decision made, the journey and what's to come of it isn't revealed until the next book. A nice set up for readers to continue on with the series. Overall, not bad series. About a three to four star rating.

In early medieval Wales, fifteen-year-old Princess Branwen's world is turned upside down when her older brother is killed by Saxon invaders. Because she is her parents' only surviving child, they decide to send her away to live somewhere they hope will be safer. Branwen's new home is luxurious, but in this place a woman's role is to marry, not to fight. But even bigger changes are in store for Branwen, when the ancient goddess Rhiannon tells Branwen of her destiny as a warrior and savior of her people, but leaves her to make the choice herself if she will follow the prophecy.

Branwen is now left with a difficult choice for her future. Does she do as her parents wish, and marry and live a quiet life and hope for peace? Or does she choose the more difficult path, and train as a warrior and face an uncertain future for the sake of her people? And if it is indeed her destiny to fight for her people, is her choice only an illusion?

Warrior Princess is the first book in a series about Branwen, and it was pretty obvious from reading it that it was going to be the first book in a series. It introduces the story, characters, and world, and quite well, I will add - the setting really comes alive. But once Branwen makes her decision about what her future will be, the outcome of her choice is left for future books in the series. If you like historical fantasy, I definitely recommend this book to you, but be prepared to be eagerly waiting for the rest of the books to be published.

It takes just a moment for fifteen-year-old Branwen's life to change forever.

In the blink of an eye, the Saxons attack and her brother is killed. Almost as quickly, she is sent away from her home to a neighboring stronghold where she'll be safe from harm. Now Branwen lives as a princess should -- surrounded by exquisite things and lavish quarters.

But deep down inside remains the soul of a warrior.

Just when Branwen is sure she has been pushed to her limits, a chance encounter with a mystical woman in white forces her to question everything -- and everyone -- around her. With no time to lose, Branwen must make a choice: continue in the path her parents intended for her . . . or step into the role of a true Warrior Princess.

I'm a fan of Jones's THE FAERIE PATH books, so when I heard he had a new series coming out, I was very excited. Jones has a very descriptive writing style yet doesn't exhaust the reader in mundane details. WARRIOR PRINCESS is no exception.

I really enjoyed Branwen's story, and while at times I had problems with the character personally, she redeemed herself many times over. One of those redeeming moments being Branwen's change from the awkwardness of childhood to a prominent and determined young woman.

I think if I had to label this novel I'd call it a historical fantasy. I appreciated the historically accurate details that were depicted throughout the novel.

I'm hoping that this is the beginning of a series, because the ending leaves many questions unanswered. Overall, an entertaining, faced-paced read that is sure to conquer fans of both fantasy and historical fiction!

Reviewed by: The Story Siren

Princess Branwen ap Griffith is fifteen when her brother is murdered by the savage Saxons, who have been closing in on her family's home in their quest for land and riches. Branwen's brother's death is a symbol of their heightened aggression. Though Branwen loathes the thought of backing down from the job of defending her home, she allows her parents to send her away to allies who will be able to keep her safe.

But Branwen is not prepared for the wave of hostility that meets her when she arrives at her allies' stronghold, where women have no place hunting or fighting, and she is forbidden from doing anything the lady of the land deems unladylike. Branwen longs for her home and for the chance to fight, but she still isn't prepared to accept her fate as a warrior, even when an encounter with a woman clad in white foretells a choice Branwen will have to make--one with devastating consequences. When all that she holds dear hangs in the balance, Branwen will have to choose to defy her elders and take a chance, or do as is expected of her and risk losing everything.

Warrior Princess is a fast paced and exciting historical fantasy read from the author of The Faerie Path. Branwen is a straightforward and intelligent heroine whose spirit, courage, and struggles will plead for attention from the younger branch of teen girls. Jones is a fearless storyteller who follows through with the plot and isn't afraid to realistically portray situations according to the time period, as well as weaving in many tidbits of historical information that seamlessly joins with the content of the story to create a more plausible and enjoyable book. Though some of the battle scene may be a tad too descriptive for younger readers, Warrior Princess can easily be considered a cross over to the middle grade genre with its wholesome message of girl power and independence, with just a hint of romance. Jones will have readers rooting for Branwen from the very first chapter, and eagerly anticipating a sequel.

Branwen ap Griffith has lived her entire 15 years as a princess in the village of Cyffin Tir, where her parents, Prince Griffith and Lady Alis, rule together from the great hall of Garth Milain. This was a peaceful place until about a year ago, when the Saxon enemy began raiding again. At first, the raids were small and quick, causing a bit of damage and stealing some cows. But then they attacked Branwen's brother and murdered him. War has returned to Garth Milain.

As the Prince and Lady begin preparing for war, they decide that Branwen, the only remaining heir, should move to a safer region. A neighboring prince and his entourage agree to escort her to their castle and then on to the place where she will meet her fiancé for the arranged marriage. Branwen does not want to get married or leave her home in its time of need. However, she dutifully follows her parents' wishes and prepares for the trip.

The plans are for Branwen to remain at the neighboring village until a safe route opens up for her to continue on to her fiancé. Branwen wonders how her stay will be; she knows that the neighboring village is much richer and more luxurious than how she's used to living, though Branwen is perfectly happy in her stained breeches, out roaming the forests. However, she has no way of preparing for just how different her visit will be.

Then something happens to help take her mind off the situation. Branwen finds herself face to face with one of the ancient Shinning Ones. Surprised that they actually do exist, she struggles to accept what the Shinning One tells her --- that she, Branwen, is destined to be a warrior and keep her people safe from the Saxons. Branwen is torn; she doesn't feel she has what it takes to be a warrior, but on the other hand, people are depending on her. Will Branwen find the courage, the strength and the heart required to become a warrior princess?

In WARRIOR PRINCESS, Frewin Jones --- who readers may know from his Faerie Path books --- writes with an elegant and graceful style. His colorfully descriptive words paint a vivid picture for the reader: "Branwen's mind filled with strange images, the notes like raindrops, like splashes of vibrant color, like the flicker of a stag's eye in the forest, like the flash of a trout in a pebbled stream. The rhythm of blood. The rush of breath. The beat of the heart. The ache of loss. The weight of mountains. The rumor of the sea." Branwen has many interlocking layers that will lure readers in, inviting them to share in the story. Jones also has a gift for creating non-stop, lifelike action sequences; his battle scenes are almost too real.

And a bonus for his fans: Jones is writing a sequel to continue Branwen's adventures, titled DESTINY'S PATH, which is scheduled to be released in October.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman

Warrior Princess is a YA historical fantasy novel set in ancient Wales. It tells the story of 15 year old Princess Branwen. After her brother is killed by invading Saxons all she wants to do is avenge his death. Her parents, however, wish to keep her safe by sending her to a neighboring cantref (county). There she learns that she has been chosen by the goddess Rhiannon to save her people from the Saxons and Branwen must make the choice to follow her destiny or turn her back on Rhiannon.

As a lover of Welsh Mythology, I was super excited to pick up this book for my kindle fire. And I must say nothing about this book disappointed me. There is plenty of adventuresome action, a very interesting and not too hackneyed plot line, and - most importantly - a heroine who is fiesty, well developed, and not at all bland. I've grown weary of blase female leads that seem to dominate YA fantasy fiction as of late. I also must say that I love Mr. Jones' beautiful and descriptive prose!

I read The Faerie Path by Mr. Jones as well, and while I enjoyed that book, I have to say that this book was much more up my alley. If you grew up reading and enjoying Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain series (which I also highly recommend) then this book is definately for you! I cannot wait to pick up the next in this series.

I love the craftiness of the characters in this book. The main character is a puzzle. And the sequel is even better than the first. I love the story line, including history of the Vikings. And the scenery is somewhere I would like to visit.

Wow great girl power books! Very clean but some violence. It is about War and battels.