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kryten4k's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
lacewing's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
rosielazar1's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
bo_manson's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
3.0
A collection of linked short stories to a prequel. Although it was written immediately after the success of The Prisoner of Zenda, the story set in the 1730s, well over a century before the events of the first novel and its sequel, Rupert of Hentzau. This is a story of love life of Princess Osra. She is the younger sister of King Rudolf III, shared ancestor lineage of Rudolf Rassendyll, the English gentleman who acts as political decoy in The Prisoner of Zenda. From the beginning of the stories, it is not a happily-ever-after type of royal story but in the end, the heart of Princess Osra found its haven and its rest. Gladly finished this book, you are pain the ass, Osra. Huge one!
kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition
4.0
This book is so depressing that it's actually funny! In every chapter, another poor man is dying, being murdered, committing suicide, going insane, about to be hanged as a criminal, or dying of some horrific illness because his heart is breaking for love of the beautiful Princess Osra. All these poor stupid men, dying because the Princess is beautiful. It's tragic and funny in its ridiculousness. (I mean, how beautiful could she be? She's Helen of Troy, apparently.)
I love how chivalrous the noblemen are, and even the common men without riches or titles are full of chivalry and high feelings. The villains are calculating and malicious, and the heroes are completely unselfish and generous and kind. All of them are ready to dare anything, risk bodily harm, fight to the death in impossible duels, and risk their fortunes for the sake of the Princess and their own honor.
Each chapter follows some different escapade of the Princess and her would-be suitors, and I love the high adventure plots. It reminds me of Dumas' Three Musketeers.
I love how chivalrous the noblemen are, and even the common men without riches or titles are full of chivalry and high feelings. The villains are calculating and malicious, and the heroes are completely unselfish and generous and kind. All of them are ready to dare anything, risk bodily harm, fight to the death in impossible duels, and risk their fortunes for the sake of the Princess and their own honor.
Each chapter follows some different escapade of the Princess and her would-be suitors, and I love the high adventure plots. It reminds me of Dumas' Three Musketeers.
alatarmaia's review against another edition
I read The Prisoner of Zenda first, and got bored with this when I realized it was a prequel. I skipped to the third entry in the series instead.
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