The King's Daughters

Our second outing with the Telfarian Prince Amir brings us to the northern lands of Sorvinka, the homeland of his beloved Princess Eva. If Telfar was much like an Arabian fantasy, then Sorvinka is very much like Russian fantasy. Many many things go wrong at the beginning of the novel. We're thrown into the the tailend of their months long journey from Telfar to Sorvinka. During their time in Sorvinka their caravan has been set upon by numerous bands of brigands who have dwindled their guards from numerous to barely seven. To top it all off Princess Livia's promise of retribution towards Amir from ruining her plans to place Erik on the throne as the new Sorvinkian King nearly gets Amir killed as a traitor--before even stepping through the gates of the castle! Apparently, much like Telfar, there is menace afoot with the ruling family of Sorvinka. The youngest princess Aurora has gone missing, presumably kidnapped by their hated enemies, and Eva's father's new edicts are not making him popular with anyone. The book is once more told through Amir's first person POV and we get a better sense of his discomfort because of it. Used to a life of gilded luxury, even if it was within a prison, the harsh traveling conditions and icy reception as well as the brutality of Sorvinka in general have made Amir very unhappy. I found the fact he mentions his family's legendary 'flawless profile' so very much once again rather humorous. Its annoying, but its a character trait that I think is a small detail that's often overlooked. He's arrogant and arrogant people tend to like to talk about what they consider to be their 'greatest' asset. Amir, for all his other talents, is very proud of his family's flawless profiles. We learn more about Amir's abilities as well. A new mystery of course presents itself, but more than that we meet Khuan and Lilloth--two emissaries from the Eastern Emperor who understand what exactly is happening to Amir. He is a shal-galt, or Sorcerer Hunter (amongst other titles), and the voices he hears in his head are not him going crazy. Along with being able to see/hear them, Amir also can sense magic. Lucky him right? This is apparently something that has affected his family for years, most notably in his late brother Jafar's case. Baba Yaga (the Russian witch) makes an appearance as well, plus enchanted animals. The romance between Amir and Eva builds, but hits obstacles as Lars--heir apparent to the throne of Sorvinka--tries to woo her as well. Amir is more trusting in this book, which may or may not be a great thing by the end of it honestly. The problems of the first book--plot threads that lead nowhere for chapters on end, pacing, repetitiveness--aren't as bad in this second book. The plot still takes a while to truly get under way, and plot threads begin that seem to go no where or serve no real purpose. The matter of the Princess Livia's duplicity is not really addressed either. The ending seems manufactured

Mallet's sequel to Princes of the Golden Cage sustains the historical spice and lively characterization of the first book. Prince Amir is bumbling enough to be sympathetic and dynamic enough to be a hero. We might wish him better luck in his love life, but the romances he wades through are fun and believable whatever the outcome. I enjoyed the addition of the Milo character, as Amir's eunuch bodyguard and servant, and the foppish but loyal and brave Diego. The King's Daughters, part two of the Prince Amir series, tells a self-contained story at a good clip, while carrying the development of its protagonist forward into the build up to the next book. A well-crafted, pleasurable experience. I look forward to book 3, Death in the Traveling City

In the Kingdom of Telfar, Prince Amir survived the deaths of much of his family during a bloody war. He still has hopes for his and his sultanate's future if he can persuade his beloved Princess Eva of Sorvinka to marry him. With his sibling Prince Erik left in charge, Amir escorts her home only to learn Eva's younger sister Princess Aurora was kidnapped and many of the castle's retinue was killed during the assault. Amir asks Eva's father, King Erik, for his permission to court his daughter. The monarch makes it clear Amir is not good enough for Eva. However, he offers an opportunity to the Telfar prince to prove his worthiness: rescue the missing princess from the Farrellians. The sequel to THE PRINCES OF THE GOLDEN CAGE continues the adventures of Prince Amir who has come a long way from his "golden cage", but has a long way to go. He struggles to adjust to the icy Sorvinka as not just the land is frozen; for instance even the horror of the murders inside the castle when the princess was kidnapped is taken with a cold harsh acceptance by the survivors. Though typical in some ways, the story line is fast-paced and the cast solid as Nathalie Mallet paints a brisk vivid picture of the hero, before and during his "quest", adapting though bewildered to the icy reception of those he hopes will be one day soon his in-laws. Harriet Klausner

Following the events in The Princes of the Golden Cage, Prince Amir and Princess Eva venture north to Eva's kingdom to ask her father for permission to marry. But Sorvinka isn't the land Eva remembers. It has become war-torn and harsh. And Prince Amir has more to deal with than just trying to impress the king. One of his daughter's has been kidnapped. And magic seems to be involved. I became engaged in this story even more than the last. Though the outcome was a bit predictable, it was nonetheless a very entertaining mystery. With colorful characters, strange magic, suspense, and deceit, Mallet has created an enchanting world. I love the character of Amir. While he is a prince and a bit spoiled and biased, he has a kind heart and can't stay away from a good mystery. With a climatic ending, the story is still left with promise of new adventures to come for Amir. And I, for one, can't wait.