Blog Tour Book Review and Giveaway: Rose and the Lost Princess by Holly Webb

Rose and the Lost Princess is the second book in a children's series by Holly Webb. The first book was Rose, and while I did not read the first book I feel like I was able to catch up and enjoy this book even while missing some of the back story.  Rose can’t believe how much her life has changed. She was a poor orphan, and has become a housemaid and apprentice to the King’s chief magician! But when a bizarre cold covers the country and the country’s beloved Princess vanishes, everything changes. Rumors about dark magic fly and fear of all magic, as well as those who use it, begins to rise. Rose must solve the mysteries and find the princess before it is too late.

Rose and the Lost Princess is a fantasy novel for middle grade readers, and while it holds o many of the standard conventions of the genre, it is well written with solid characters and a good story. Rose is an orphan with a special affinity for magic, and while that might sound a little too familiar she wants to be independent and work for her own future rather than relying on others or good luck. I think her intelligence and work ethic make Rose a strong role model to all readers. I think the inclusion of the fear of just about everyone towards magic, and things they do not understand in general, also speaks to all readers and makes the story stand out. The people being mean and doing bad things, aside from the larger plot that includes kidnapping the princess, are not characterize as bad people, just scared. I think that distinction is important for everyone to be able to understand and see in the real world, since it is something that still happens every day.

I think Rose and the Lost Princess is a smart and enjoyable read for the middle grade set. The characters and world are very well done, and while the set up is a bit familiar, the execution and quality of the writing make that familiarity unimportant. In fact, because of that familiarity settling into the story felt like putting on my favorite cozy sweatshirt and finding it to be even better than I remembered.

 
Holly Webb is the author of Dog Magic, Cat Magic, and Lost in the Snow. She has always loved animals and owns two very spoiled cats. They haven't said a word to her yet, but she's always listening, just in case! She lives in England.

Now for the giveaway! Do you want a copy of this book for yourself, a great child in your life, your school or local library, or all of the above? Well, one lucky winner (U.S. and Canada only- Sorry!) will have a copy mailed to them directly from the publisher! Just enter below via Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway