Book Reviews

Review by Lexi

Very inspirational.  Makes you believe that girls can do whatever the guys can.  Full of surprises and it keeps you guessing.  You can't figure out the characters in the beginning.

Review by Inkgirl

Princess Ben was recommended by a friend.  I love a good fairytale; but I almost put it back when I saw the broomstick on the cover. 

 Fairytales should remain classic-good is good and bad is bad.  Prince Charming should be a good guy.  Princesses should not be constructed purely of grit.  Witches should remain the villains.

Princess Ben is a decent story-for the most part, and an engaging read.  The Princess's parents die and she becomes ward of her seemingly evil aunt (and might have to wed someone she believes killed her parents as well).

The story is classic up until there.  Unfortunately, one section of the book is her learning some magic.  True, the magic consists mostly of making rocks, fire, water, and air.  But she learns to create a double for herself.  All hopes that you can ignore the magic are dashed when she starts riding a broom.  I strongly recommend against reading anything to do with witchcraft; it's bad stuff.

 One other problem is that for at least half of the book, you keep wondering if there is anything to like about Princess Ben.  The story is engagingly told; the adventure keeps you amused; and eventually Ben learns to grow up.  I was getting to the place where I was liking the story, until I got the section four.

 Here, Murdock seems to have gotten tired of story and wanted it to end as quickly as possible.  The story and characters (and especially the romance) are very underdeveloped.  Not enough time is given to plot or the feelings of the reader.  Not enough time is given at all.  I can say that Queen Sophia is well-developed and probably the best character.  If you are looking for something to read, and are mature enough to get past the wizard's tower, that you might just go ahead and give Princess Ben a try.