The Warrior Princess Of Pennyroyal Academy, Reviewed By An 11-Year-Old

This review comes to us from Maddilyn Lee, aged 11, who thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books in M.A. Larson‘s Pennyroyal Academy series. She jumped at the chance to review the third for us.

From Ironbone to Leatherwolf and the only first-class Crown Company, Evie’s three years at Pennyroyal Academy come to a close. I hope author M. A. Larson writes a fourth to add to the collection, but if not, this is an amazing way to end the series.

From all the years Cadet Eleven — oh wait, Princess Evie — has been at the academy, her third was her most exciting. She had to adjust to her surroundings (mainly Prince Forbes’s attitude) and adapt while her mission unfolded. Yes, we see Evie’s dragon family again, and yes, they kick butt.

If the snarky comments from Prince Forbes and the lovely Princess Demetra’s happy attitude don’t make you smile, then the descriptions will. The very first chapter of the first Pennyroyal Academy puts gorgeous images of cottages, castles, forests, and much more in your mind. All that mixed together creates a little personal movie.

With new additions to the storyline such as the outgoing Princess Marline and grouchy Rumpelstiltskin, (yes, he’s in the story this time) really helped this story with engaging the readers. Even with the new additions, every character has major development. You know how Forbes never speaks of his mom? Well, we find out what happens to her, and he actually gets a little bit nicer. Who knew?

Princess Basil has a SISTER! He lied to his friends, saying he only has brothers. Out of 20 some-odd brothers, he has ONE sister. But she’s stone, so… it doesn’t really count. Anyway, he has a sister. I’m not going to mention Evie’s development, because it almost makes me cry, and I don’t want to spoil it. Malora… not gonna mention it.

So you know how every story’s main character is “The Special” or “The Chosen One”? Not Evie! She is NOT the famed Warrior Princess! Yes, she’s strong in courage, but thats really it. (Besides, she’s badass as heck.) I personally thought it would be Basil, because he’s been through almost as much as Evie has, and it would be hilarious if a boy was the Warrior Princess. I will say, the lady who is “The Special”, really really is special. It’s probably not who you thought it was, but it’s pretty hilarious when she finds out.

Even though it does end as a cliffhanger, I’ll be happy if Larson doesn’t write another in the series, because it’s an OK cliffhanger — the ending overall is satisfying enough.

The film rights for the Pennyroyal Academy series were picked up by Reese Witherspoon‘s Pacific Standard production company in 2012, though no updates have been given yet.