Review of DL Gardner's RISE OF THE TOBIAN PRINCESS

 

Rating: 4

Prince Arell is the only son of the Cho Nisi’s king. His father’s death forces him to ascend to the throne – a responsibility he is not prepared for. Arell wants to learn the identity of the person responsible for his father’s demise. A beautiful yet reckless princess may provide him with the opportunity. Arell must ignore his heart to exact justice for his people. Can Arell learn to forgive Erika for her crime? What role does he have in the upcoming battle with the Vouchsaver?

Princess Erika Tobias is the youngest child of the Potamian king. She wants to fight alongside her brother to protect their kingdom from the Vouchsaver’s evil. However, Erika blunders in her first skirmish. Her mistake could threaten the alliance Potamia has with the Cho Nisi. Can Erika find a way to make reparation to the Cho Nisi’s people? Or will she be forced to give up on her beloved?

I feel that there were not enough scenes about Arell or the Cho Nisi people. I would have loved a little more exploration on the Cho Nisi’s culture and their magic system, unless the author plans to do so in future books. I understand and empathize with Arell’s trepidation about ascending the throne. He thought his father would rule longer than what he did. Arell took that for granted and shirked his heir’s duties to learn and observe.  I like Arell’s dedication on becoming a good monarch. He had to learn by trial and error, but he insisted on learning his background.

Erika came off as too self-absorbed and selfish. I understand her need to prove herself, especially since women’s stations are different. I feel that she took things to the extremes or too far. I admire Erika’s determination to make amends to the Cho Nisi. She may be a princess, but that did not exempt her for making reparation.

RISE OF THE TOBIAN PRINCESS is the first book in D.L. Gardner’s fantasy romance series, SWORD OF CHO NISI. I know that first books always start out slow. They must set up and introduce the author’s unique world. However, certain parts felt like it dragged on and on without any real purpose. I commend the author on her worldbuilding skills. She did a wonderful job creating a world so different from others in the genre, especially the magic.