| | Aurelia |  | Author: Anne Osterlund
Category: Book
This item is no longer available
Avg. Customer Rating:  17 reviews
Sales Rank: 7350444
Media: Library Binding
Edition: Reprint
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 246
ISBN: 1439550581
EAN: 9781439550588
ASIN: 1439550581
Publication Date: September 18, 2008
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Product Description
An impressive debut, equal parts commercial appeal and literary prowess. Princess Aurelia is next in line to rule the kingdom of Tyralt, but she would rather be one of the common folk, free to learn and roam and . . . not marry the next tyrannical prince that comes courting. Naturally, the king wants Aurelia to marry for political power. Aurelia wants to marry for love. And someone in the kingdom wants her . . . dead. Assigned to investigate and protect Aurelia is Robert, the son of the kings former royal spy and one of Aurelias oldest friends. As Aurelia and Robert slowly uncover clues as to who is threatening her, their friendship turns to romance. With everything possible on the lineher life, her kingdom, her heartAurelia is forced to take matters into her own hands, no matter the cost.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 12 more reviews...
 mediocre fluff April 29, 2008
9 out of 14 found this review helpful
Aurelia is the crown Princess of Tyralt. Problem is, someone wants her dead. Not wanting the kingdom to lose it's heir her father hires Robert Vantauge, the son of his spy, to find out who is behind the plot.
Among an atmospheric background Osterlund sets up a story of mystery, intrigue, and romance. The scenes are lushly described, as are many of the details. The problem is this... The characters are very cookie cutter and not very deep. In truth I read this for a fluff read, but it wasn't even enough for a fluff read to keep me happy. I didn't care at all about the characters and the storyline about hunting down the assassin was weak and uninteresting at best. Even when stripped down to the fact that this is a junior romance novel (verging on bodice ripper, if any of the sex elements had been more present) the romance in this story wasn't particularly gripping either. I wanted fluff, I wanted to check out. This was well done in parts, but not enough for me to care to read more by this author.
Lovely Young Adult Novel (B+ Grade) April 19, 2008
8 out of 12 found this review helpful
Aurelia is the eldest daughter of the King of Tyralt and the crown princess of Tyralt. As her younger half-sister enjoys her coming out, Aurelia must do her duty for the people and begin her journey into becoming not just a princess but a queen.
But, there is something Aurelia does not know, and that is she is marked for death. Her old school mate and confidant, Robert Vantauge, has come back to Tyralt at the urging of his king. Since Aurelia's life is in danger, Robert volunteers to protect her and find out who would want to kill the adored princess of the people.
She is beyond thrilled that Robert is back, but their relationship has changed from when they were children. Robert may act as if they are just friends, but when he looks at Aurelia, she sees another story in his eyes. Eventually Aurelia finds out the truth about Robert and the danger to her own life. Instead of cowering in fear, she works with Robert to find the villain who wants to eliminate her, even though the person could be someone she cares for and is as close as Robert is to her.
As an adult reading a young adult novel, Aurelia was enjoyable on so many levels that it didn't matter that this was a book for the younger generation. Aurelia is a super heroine who is no weeping willow. She takes everything in stride and has a good head on her shoulders. This is a young woman who is very much a queen in the making. Robert is not only a romantic interest, but an honest and true friend who cares for the person she is and not about his place in court or a longing for a higher position.
This is one exceptionally written book, and Anne Osterlund has awed and astounded with Aurelia. This is one young adult read that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. A very recommended book.
Katiebabs
Girl powered princess adventure May 14, 2008
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
I was drawn to this book by the lovely cover. I am not a YA but have enjoyed several YA novels recently (for example the Libba Bray series).This was a pleasant read primarily geared towards young girls- probably age 12 to 15. The adventure,mystery and romance might be somewhat tame for older teens.
As an adult reading this book I found the writing style and prose very simple and the plot sterotypical. But a young girl reading this might view the book as an exciting adventure between a fiesty princess and her dashing childhood friend.For Moms looking for nice clean books with adventure and a dash of romance for their young daughters to read,this book fits the bill.
If you or your daughter enjoyed this book, then I would suggest Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith, The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley, a Posse of Princessess by Sherwood Smith and Princess Ben by Catherine Murdock. IMHO Crown Duel and The Hero and the Crown are the Classics in this genre and are very readable for both young girls and not so young gals who are young at heart.
 Stereotypical May 2, 2008
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
When Crown Princess Aurelia's life is endangered by several assassination attempts, her father hires Robert Vantauge, the son of his former Royal Spy and an old classmate of Aurelia's, to protect her and discover who is behind the plots. There is an attraction between Robert and the feisty princess to be sure, but as the king has ordered that Aurelia remain ignorant of the peril surrounding her, the lies Robert is forced to tell her might serve to keep them apart.
We've seen similar plots done before, and it takes a great author to make something old into something new. Unfortunately, Anne Osterlund's debut doesn't quite pull it off. The storyline is predictable and, at times, boring. The romance is clumsy, and the characters are for the most part one-dimensional (the only person I found appealing was Chris, Robert's cousin). Aurelia seems more spoiled and rude than independent and fiery, coming off as self-centered and mono-emotional (perpetually angry).
Other issues center around setting -- I could never quite get a feel for the basic time period or the location -- and a lot of talk about horses that doesn't add up (though readers who themselves don't have much knowledge of horses are apt to be less bothered by this).
All in all, this book (the first of a proposed trilogy) took on stereotypes and proceeded to reinforce them. One can only hope that the next two will offer something more original.
 exciting young adult historical tale April 19, 2008
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
Most if not all of the people in Tyalt envy Princess Aurelia, heir to the throne; however, ironically Aurelia envies her countrymen. She knows being a royal means pampering, but also connotes responsibility to her country. Aurelia dreams of marrying for love not state with some husband who wants to be the next tyrant; while her father the king expects her to marry whomever he chooses makes the best political deal for Tyalt. She would like to travel the countryside free to explore without bodyguards every step of the way and without fear of embarrassing the throne.
However someone wants the heir removed. After a failed attempt on her life, the King enforces her protection and assigns the son of his former top operator, Robert to investigate the assassination attempt. Robert and Aurelia have been friends forever, but both hide their feelings for one another. However, Aurelia is not going to remain cloistered nor wait for her unknown adversary to try again. She feels only she can save herself so she risks her crown, her love, and her life to do so.
This is an exciting young adult tale that cleverly uses references to anchor time ("The Age of Reason") and place (other neighboring kingdoms) as Anne Osterlund enlightening saga avoids dumbing down by treating her audience with respect in regards to their intelligence. The courageous princess wants more out of life than tedious nobles fawning at her feet at boring parties. She soon learns that sometimes you get what you wish for when several assassination attempts occur. However, that just makes her even braver. Readers will appreciate Princess Aurelia's rude awakening to the downside of royalty.
Harriet Klausner
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