Review: The Lonely Prince - Red Fairy & Fox Adventures #2

The Lonely Prince book cover on blue background

I have such a soft spot for Queen Red and Fox, so I was quite keen to find out what happens to them next! The Lonely Prince, the next book in the Red Fairy and Fox Adventures series by Courtney Denelsbeck, releases on August 31, 2024. If you enjoy YA fiction that takes an allegorical spin like the Chronicles of Narnia, you are in for a treat!

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

Rumors of Magic. A dark, cursed kingdom. And a trapped prince.

“Was it absurd to think their queen had magic? It didn’t seem any more absurd than believing she had wings. The truth was he wanted to believe it. He needed to.”

Oliver dreams of freedom, for himself and his country. His enemies live in luxury, while his kingdom is cursed in darkness. When rumors of the fairy queen reach his borders, he decides it's time to escape his prison and home.

Red tries her best to be the queen her people need, but the threat of invasion has her wanting to run and hide. Oliver demands she help his kingdom, but Red doesn’t understand why she’d want to. She only wants to end the war between their kingdoms and have life return to normal. Oliver and Red change each other’s worlds forever, just not in the way they were expecting.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Courtney Denelsbeck does it again with her masterful world building as we return to Lusolis and gain a better understanding of their neighbouring kindgom and rival, Tennebris. I loved getting to see Queen Red grow in her leadership abilities while enjoying the spunkiness of Fox as he plays the role of her faithful sidekick. Prince Oliver is a complex character, and though we are introduced to him quite quickly, it is evident that he will play a significant role in the futures of Lusolis and Tennebris.

More importantly, this book delves into the characters being able to interact with the Creator, bringing the story to life through such a powerful spiritual allegory. I was mesmerized by how the Creator's world defined this story, with some of the most worshipful scenes I have encountered. If you've read Red Fairy and Fox, reading The Lonely Prince is an absolute must. I can't imagine this series continuing in any other way, and am eagerly looking forward to the next book so that I can return to the special world of pond jumping, clever animals, and sacrificial servanthood.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

All the Cheese

I've been coming across content within the past several weeks that has stereotyped Christian books (and other mediums) as being cheesy on Christian accounts. While this isn't a new label or even a new topic, what has surprised me somewhat has been seeing more Christian authors jump into this conversation who wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Although some authors will name others whom they believe are writing non-cheesy fiction, I feel as though the damage has been done by repeating this blanket statement. While readers have freely been engaging in this type of commentary for some time, it's been interesting to see authors chime in, where in some cases, there seems to be an emphasis on self-promotion over reflection. I'm not stereotyping and saying that all authors or even the authors I'm connected to respond with this tactic (because I really don't think they do!), but there are a few out there from my limited experience who seem to respond to this disc...

Christian Book Review Programs

Over time, I've been on the hunt for Christian book review programs that readers can join. As a result, I've been able to compile the following list which may be of interest if you are seeking review copies of Christian books. This list mostly applies to print and ebooks, although some publishers offer audiobooks as well. If further information is available for any of the publishers below (or any missing publishers), please let me know as I am happy to update this list—thank you! Please note that you can also search for these publishers on NetGalley and other review sites in case there are no review programs available or you don't qualify for one 😊 Christian Publishers B&H Publishing Group Previously offered the B&H/Lifeway Blogger program which has since closed Availability: Professors and instructors Link: B&H Academic Book Requests Baker Publishing Group Availability: U.S. and Canadian residents Genre: Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction Imprints: Bet...

Review: Every Hour Until Then - Timeless #5

Who else is excited for the next installment in the Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer to release this month?! This is likely my favourite historical Christian fiction series and one I will continue to recommend. I kept my husband intrigued with enough hints for Every Hour Until Then that he now has to find time to read books two to four to get caught up 😄 Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling truth: Her own sister is destined to become the Ripper's ...