The Conqueror's Princess by Jeanette Rose, Alice Callisto
Series: Princesses of Aellolyn #1
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult
The Princess in the Tower...
Crown Princess Charlotte of Candonia has fought to make her own choices and decisions for years. She refuses to let anyone take that power from her. Ever. Her only allowance is her kingdom, she will sacrifice everything to keep it and her family safe. Even face the conqueror that threatens all she holds dear...
The Enemy at the Gates...
Evan the Black will do whatever it takes to reach his ultimate goal: a free Aellolyn. Sold into slavery at five, Evan's disdain for royalty is outmatched only by his disdain for slavers. He's burned a path through the continent, forcing royalty to outlaw the abhorrent practice at sword point. But it's not enough. In order to make a lasting change, he needs to be more than a conqueror; he needs to be royal.
The Future of the World in the Balance...
Evan strips Charlotte of her treasured choice with a simple threat: marry me or I'll kill your father, then I'll marry you, anyway. Now forced into a marriage with the last person they would ever choose to wed, Charlotte and Evan find themselves drawn to the other, but the tasks before them are daunting. Evan is pulled in two directions, one the future he wishes to build and the other the wife he can't stop thinking about. Charlotte faces disapproval and disdain from all directions, whether it be from her husband's mute general who communicates solely in hand signals or the rest of the men and women in camp who don't even bother to conceal their hatred for her. But their greatest enemies are within...
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
In “The Conqueror’s Princess,” a novel centered around a princess forced into marriage with her city’s conqueror, the narrative unfolds with a mix of romance, politics, and notable character development. Charlotte, the king’s eldest daughter, initially appears as a typical fantasy heroine, fiercely protective of her sisters and stubborn. Paired with Evan, a loyal warrior, the epic chemistry between them and the transformative character development they undergo forms the core of this primarily romantic story.
The tension and chemistry between Charlotte and Evan shine in this romance, with a clear emphasis on consent and wanted mutual relationships despite the challenging circumstances. Their character development is well-crafted and natural, portraying growth with sufficient conflict to underscore its authenticity. Charlotte, breaking away from initial impressions, emerges as a resilient leader making decisions for her people, driven by her love for her sisters and a consistent kindness.
Similarly, Evan’s character depth unfolds gradually, dispelling initial stereotypes, and his past is revealed judiciously when pertinent to the narrative. His emotional shifts align with the storyline, emphasizing the importance of choice in relationships, steering clear of potential toxic dynamics. Beyond the romance, the adventure subplot involving kingdom politics and battles adds a positive dimension, with well-executed fight scenes and intriguing side characters.
The casual prose style contributes to the book’s easy readability, allowing readers to swiftly engage with the story. While the sister dynamic within the royal family adds sweetness, the desire for more in-depth exploration remains. Despite this, the overall experience is enjoyable, making “The Conqueror’s Princess” a recommended read, particularly for fans of enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriages, and fantasy romance.
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