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Review of The Maverick Princess by D.A.Arthur
Let us take a trip to Vidaria and the ancient house of the Valborgs. A kingdom not unlike many others of the time but with one exception: Kristina is the heir to the throne.
In a world with male heirs Queen Marta declares, "... how can you fix your mouth and your quill to declare that my daughter is to be raised as a boy?" She refuses to have anything to do with her own child because she is a girl, even though she is the only one of many miscarriages to survive.
Such is the world of The Maverick Princess.
Kristina ascends the throne at six years old declaring, "To the lord chancellor and all the good men of Vidaria, I am Kristina Valborg by the grace of God, the only child of great Gustav. I promise, with God's help to be a good, wise and just king."
Her father, King Gustav has already laid the foundation for her education and put in place the foundation for the daughter who would be king. An official scholar Johan Schroeder Skytte is placed in charge of Kristina's academic education after his death.
She follows in her father's footsteps and strives to rule a kingdom with gentry that is absorbed with the fact that she is female and this is the reason that they believe that she should not rule Vidaria.
With obstacles at almost every turn Kristina overcomes the powers set against at the expense of her own personal happiness. Prince Lars seeks to remove her from her rightful place as ruler of the kingdom because of her refusal to marry and place his family upon the throne.
As we grow along with Kristina one thing becomes crystal clear; she is a strong woman who knows what she wants to do no matter what others may ask or expect of her.
The Maverick Princess begins on the day of her birth and carries us well into Kristina's reign as Sovereign of Vidaria through wars and turmoil in the inner court.
It starts off slowly, owing to D.A. Arthur's extravagant detail of scenery but once that is situated the story falls tidily into place and becomes one of much charisma and expressiveness. This is a first-rate read for lovers of Historical Fantasy and Fantasy alike with battles and conflicts enough to please all.
For those, like myself, who have struggled to find good strong female characters that do not need the comfort of a male figure to prove their strength it is a welcome book.
Kristina says it all:
"Today I shall become King of Vidaria."
The queen who was a king.
--Review by Shanna Mawavise, author of The Tale of Chadizah
THE MAVERICK PRINCESS: A Kristina Valborg Novel is loosely based on the life story of Kristina Augusta Alexandra Karlotta Valborg, Queen Kristina of Sweden. Kristina was the daughter of Queen Marta and King Gustav of Vildaria. Though the couple had conceived many heirs, none but Kristina lived beyond birth. Soothsayers prophesied that the child would be special.
Kristina was beyond special. Kristina read by age three without ever having been taught. She thrived in male arts such as hunting, swordplay, horsemanship, and statecraft. By age six, when her father was killed in battle, Kristina was ready to take her place as heir apparent. At a time when women were merely heir making machines, Kristina dared to lead her people into battle.
THE MAVERICK PRINCESS is an inspiring tale about a princess destined to become a king. Kristina is both strong and immensely stubborn in her efforts to achieve her goals. Princess Kristina
is also valiant and self-confident. These phrases describing Kristina are, of course, nice ways of saying that the princess is arrogant, power hungry, self centered, and downright rude. Quite
frankly, often her character made me think of a spoiled brat whining for her way.
Nonetheless, Kristina of Vildaria deserves a great deal of respect for the reforms she created in her country and that she held true to herself even when it wasn't popular or proper to do so. So despite her personality, or perhaps due to her personality, the story of Princess Kristina is an inspiring tale. Though the release date is listed as July, Amazon and other online booksellers currently have copies available for purchase.
-- Reviewed by Tami Brady of Roundtable Reviews
The Maverick princess is not only maverick, she borders on heroic. King Kristina Rex of Vidaria proves that women are just as capable of performing a man’s job even if it’s looked upon unfavorably. Arthur has done an excellent job in depicting the story of King Kristina taking us on a roller coaster of a ride beginning with her life, her father’s death and Kristina’s reign in the kingdom. A woman among women and certainly a woman for men to reckon with. She is king in every aspect of the word from cover to cover. She possesses it all, attitude for altitude, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and the guts to reach for it all despite the obstacles.
This author has done an excellent job in sharing this fascinating and riveting tale of baby Kristina, unloved and unwanted by her mother because of her sex and possessing the love of her father simply because she belonged to him. And don’t miss Kristina’s love interest. It’s just an interest but it’s certainly noticeable.
The Maverick Princess ends on a to be continued status and you will be left hanging on to that last page waiting for the next phase. Don’t miss what D. A. Arthur and Kristina Rex, King of Vidaria come up with next.
Reviewed by Latrice Williams of Coffee Cramp Reviews
Author of Life’s Experience
Review of The Maverick Princess By D. A. Arthur
7/21/04
Reviewed by Donna Laird, Author of Forever Yours & Katrina’s Destiny
The Maverick Princess by D. A. Arthur is a very fascinating book. The life of Kristina Rex King of Vidaria proves that a woman can rule as King with an iron fist the same as a man. Kristina is born the only child of King Gustav and Queen Marta. Her mother the Queen can’t look upon her face as Kristina is not the son she wanted, but she loved beyond anything by her father the King. Upon the death of her father when Kristina is but six years old, she takes the throne like she should have been there always. To say the child is willful is an under statement. She possesses the attitude of a good leader and she is one woman that will take the power of the throne to a new level for her country.
D.A. Arthur has done a wonderful job bringing Kristina to life. You become part of her life from the minute she is born until the last page that leaves you hanging for more that is to come. Share the love interest that is only an interest for Kristina, but you wish it could be more.
I can’t wait to read what Kristina Rex King of Vidaria will do next. I recommend this book highly, not only to lovers of fantasy but for everyone. You will be captivated the minute you pick up the book to the last page.
8/1/04
King Gustav and his wife Marta had been anxiously awaiting the birth of an heir to the throne. Each of the Queen’s former pregnancy’s had sadly ended before their term. Marta only wanted to give her husband an heir to his throne and then she would be happy. In her advanced state they traveled to see a soothsayer Teka, who informed the royal couple that the Queen would indeed give the King a child and this child would be very special.
Overjoyed, the Royal couple began preparing for the event, and in due time the couple was blessed with a little girl . The Queen unable to hide her resentment refused to do anything for the child not even to look at her. The King on the other hand was thrilled with the baby and thanked God for giving him such a precious gift.
In time the child was baptized Kristina Augusta Alexandra Karlotta Volberg and a strong bond developed between her and her father. Kristina was an exceptionally bright child; she would devour books at a young age, having a thirst for knowledge, and was always with her father when he traveled. .The King instructed that his daughter be taught and raised as a prince, not a princess, and that in due time she was to be the King of Vidaria.
When Kristina was only 6 her father was killed in battle thus making this child the King of the land. Each day it was more obvious that the girl was more a male in her actions and features then one could imagine, much to the dismay of her mother.
She not only resembled her father but she possessed his courage, strength and the skill that made one wonder, had his spirit come back in his child? She lead her armies into battle and won, made treaties with neighboring Kings, and became very popular with the people. Yet, there was something different. Vowing she would never marry she declined offers by numerous suitors from her own kingdom and many others, never giving the real reason for her refusal.
Her goal was to do good for all her subjects yet somehow others felt there was something strange about it.
I believe this is the first in a series since the ending here leaves many unanswered questions but I can say that Kristina is a strong lead character that encompasses the story. I admire her strength, courage and most of all her duty to her throne and it’s people. I would like to find out just what happens to this woman in the sequel. The author has given the reader a strong foundation for the story and if the second is done equally as well it will not disappoint the readers. I for one would like to see what does and what will come about for this woman. Will she truly find happiness? Will she become the most powerful and loved woman of her time? She is a fascinating character and one that holds readers interests.
Louise Riveiro-Mitchell of Denise's Pieces book review
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