The Princess and the Hound

Features

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 416 pages
• Published by: Eos May 1, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0061131873
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0061131875
• Book Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.5 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up—In the kingdom of Kendel, anyone caught talking with the animals or practicing animal magic is put to death, so Prince George learns early on to deny that part of his identity. He does everything for the sake of the kingdom, even if it means agreeing to an arranged marriage with Princess Beatrice from the neighboring kingdom of Sarrey. But Beatrice has a striking and unusual relationship with her hound, Marit, and George finds himself drawn to the pair, and to that part of himself that he has ignored for too long. He is faced with many decisions, including how to help his dying father, and how to free Beatrice and her hound. The story is interrupted at times with philosophizing, hints at the princess's secrets, and related mythology that might prove frustrating for unsophisticated readers. Strong characterizations can't make up for the uneven plot, and most readers are unlikely to stick with this lengthy tale.—Melissa Moore, Union University Library, Jackson, TN
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From Booklist
When duty steers Prince George into betrothal to an enemy king's daughter, he is surprised to find he admires the prickly, forthright princess, despite her apparent indifference to any but her beloved pet hound. As George attempts to win Beatrice's heart along with her hand, evidence of treachery back home leads him to startling truths about animal magic—the stigmatized gift of animal speech, which he secretly possesses—as well as information about his betrothed. The logic of Harrison's complicated plot isn't always clear, especially not the connections between an ancient legend and the characters' current dilemmas. Some readers may also question George's continuing devotion to Beatrice, given her frequent, chilly rebuffs. More compelling is George's poignant emotional growth, as his heart, once set afire, helps him to reconnect with his own true self and to embrace his ascent to the throne. The tale's perspective from that of a marriageable prince, not the more usual damsel's view, makes this stand out from other novels set in a folklore-influenced framework. Mattson, Jennifer

Reader Reviews
Mette Ivie Harrison's new book has a deceptive title and cover. They certainly represent the book, but they work to narrow alienate half of its potential audience, namely male readers. The main protagonist is George, a prince and heir to a throne. George has animal magic, a dangerous magic since anyone determined to have it will be summarily put to death. He is also expected to marry Beatrice, a princess from another kingdom. His journey of discovery, especially in his relationships with his mother, father and Beatrice make a fine book with a fantasy setting. Harrison incorporates her world with a folklore that feels real and sometimes threatening while fully portraying the dangerous and lonely lives of both George and Beatrice. Harrison's writing style is most evocative of Robin McKinley but still all her own. Readers of fantasy, animal stories and subtle romances will enjoy this novel and hope for more from this skilled author. Fans of Robin McKinley, Patricia McKillip, Franny Billingsley, Cornelia Funke and Sherwood Smith should add this to their "must" be read list.