The Prince

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques This is a delightful story that mixes fantasy and romance in a medieval type of world. Rose of Valinor is on a mission. Fleeing a depressing place in which she had recently been imprisoned, she goes on the run to find the one man she feels can help her. She needs to find the Prince of Venya in the hopes he can help her escape the wrath of her uncle. The man she finds is nothing like the stories and legends claim, but someone infinitely more intriguing. Florian barely held on to his life a fateful day many years ago, when the wretched King Richard killed his parents and took over the lands of Venya. As a result, he made a vow that no matter what the risk, he would one day rid his lands of Richard, and assume his rightful place as ruler. He has no time for a misguided young woman whom he feels is slightly mad... or does he? When Florian realizes Rose may be his greatest hope in ending the long years of war, he determines to make her his by fair means or foul, and sets his course. Little did either of them realize that they'd find their greatest strengths in each other... and a love that is the stuff legends are made of. This was a wonderful story! Ms. Minogue weaves a passionate tale, full of suspense, romance, mystery, and a healthy dose of the paranormal. Readers will venture in to the swashbuckling world of pirates, where no one is quite what they seem, and magic is the name of the game. The plot is swift moving and well developed, luring one in on the first page and holding tight until the final scenes unfold, surprising in their outcome. Rose is a brave woman, who puts all else before herself, never minding the risk to her own life. She is deeply passionate, highly intelligent, very caring, and in love with a legend. Florian has one mission in life and always has - to restore his people to their rightful land and to take his place as ruler of the magical land. He is strong willed, also very passionate, and finds himself taken with the young beauty who seeks his aid. When these two come together, their love is all consuming but not without its ups and downs. Magic, as mentioned before, is a primary player woven into the story. The `filidhi', who fled Venya, are a people of great wisdom and none too lacking in magical abilities. Their skills come into play many times throughout the story, adding a mystical bend to the tale. Florian himself has some pretty impressive abilities, though one is kept in the dark as to what they are through much of the story, with the secret only being revealed when most necessary to the storyline. Also there are other fantastical beings in the story, like the Ilindrian race of people who have some unique traits of their own, and the sea-going merrow, who appear to be much like what is more commonly known as a mermaid. These beings add interesting facets to the story, making it the impressive fantasy it is. All of the secondary characters are rendered beautifully, with uniq

Alright, I already get teased about my name...and now Ms. Minogue has me reading romance and fantasy novels. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Minogue at a book signing event recently and I must say she is one of the nicest and most pleasant authors I've ever met. I purchased a few of her books and I am thoroughly impressed. I have never read any books in this genre before, but her writing style kept me glued to the pages. Whether you're into these types of novels or not, you should give them a try.

What a truly entertaining novel. The characters come alive, the setting incredibly real. I loved the blossoming love story, as well as the writer's extreme attention to detail. Ms. Minogue is a born story teller. Her writing is rich, with layer upon layer of nuances. Can't wait for the next book.

King Richard of Valinor commits treachery by attacking Venya. Richard has the ruling monarch and his wife killed, but Sir Ewan and a few other leaders manage to rescue seven year old Prince Florien. Eighteen years later, Princess Rose of Valinor escapes from her Uncle Richard. She seeks Florien as the only person who might keep her safe since she believes he would never sell her to his enemy her uncle. Rose meets Florien who rejects her contention that she is his enemy's niece, but takes her on his ship, the Quest. Rose convinces Florien that she is who she claims to be because of her knowledge of the atrocities perpetrated on his people. He still reels from the crushing of his Fheara tribesmen by Richard while the Filidh mages have made their home on another island and want to forget their heritage. Rose tells him that the Fheara feel abandoned by him and the mages. Florien wonders if Rose is part of the prophecy to regain Venya; by marrying her can he regain what he lost as his people will no longer fight for him, but would rally around his courageous Rose who he loves. This romantic fantasy contains magical elements that seem genuine and add depth especially an exciting Game of Kings contest that will remind fans of the wizards' fight in Disney's The Sword and the Stone. Fans will appreciate the strong female character, but also find fault with the obstinate Florien always insisting on going it alone. Well written so that the audiences of both genres will treasure, but the anticipated confrontation with the villain and the retaking back the Prince's lost land never happens. Harriet Klausner