Nobody's Prize

Esther Friesner did an amazing job creating three dimensional characters and an interesting plot, but it got a little bit repetitive during this book because it was adventure after adventure after adventure. Yes, we get the idea that Helen is a girl with extreme determination and confidence, and not only that but beautiful as well. She's growing up during the voyage and discovering new things. The plot does have s twists and turns, which keeps the story interesting, but what irked me the most was the her best friend Milo suddenly vanishes from the story. The ending is where things got a bit choppy and convoluted. She totally forgets about her old adventures and just moves on too quickly. I was kind of annoyed by the fact that Milo, whom you can pretty much tell has a huge crush on Helen, suddenly disappers, and when he reappears in the story he's suddenly with this character whose not really so important, and all the while you're wishing that he's still in love with Helen. It was a huge twist for me and threw me off. I was kind of T.O.'d. But nevertheless, the story was, overall, a fun and entertaining read.

Not quite ready to tackle the classics? Friesner makes the classics and gives them a twist most young adults will love. Meet Helen of Troy back when she was Helen of Sparta and join her on the quest for the Golden Fleece. Tamora Pierce recommended this book to me at a conference, I've recommended it to some others and all have liked it.

I LOVE this book!!! its anawesome book abou Helen of Sparta who is a girl that crave adventure. It's not your normal princess story!

Nobody's Prize is on par with its predecessor in terms of style and content and is not a disappointing sequel. The imagery is rich and one feels, despite some modern phrases, transported back into Ancient Greece. That said, I was a little disappointed at the lack of any real romance. Other men fall for Helen, but her own interests are quickly crushed somewhat early in the novel. Anyone reading this should not expect Paris to put in any real appearance, although the end of the novel alludes to events to come concerning Helen's more famous activities. All an all, an enjoyable and interesting read.

Esther Friesner's NOBODY'S PRIZE is a sequel to NOBODY'S PRINCESS yet stands alone well: young Helen of Sparta refuses to be left behind when her brothers embark on an exciting quest for the Golden Fleece, and disguises herself as a boy to join the crew of the Argo, where she faces danger and adventures - and even falls in love.