Shaykitteh's World of Books

This review was originally posted on the 2nd of August, however I am re-blogging it now (3 days later) since the book was released to the public today and is now open for your buying pleasure.

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Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory introduce us to a new universe and storyline, that of the "One Dozen Daughters" series. The rulers of tiny country of Swansgaard have twelve daughters and one son. While the prince’s future is assured, his twelve sisters must find their own fortunes, so it is decided that they will go out to make their own fortunes after their 18th Birthday. As each daughter has been encouraged to learn a trade growing up and also to be self-sufficient if needed, this is not as much of a burden as it would be to a standard princess.

The House of the Four Winds begins the adventures of the Swansgaard Princesses. Clarice, the oldest daughter, has studied the Sword, and wishes to open a school to teach others. But in order for anyone to trust themselves or their children to her as a Swordsmistress, she must first go out and find adventure and experience. Using a special corset to bind her figure down and dressing as a man, she sets sail for adventure. Her voyage is soon filled with mutiny, pirates, and treasure... who can ask for a better adventure?!

Not the "Elemental Masters" Series or the "Five Hundred Kingdoms" Series, this new series is the love child of the two series, gaining the best of both elements. With magic viewed as a science and the characters as princesses who have all learned different trades, we know that we'll see adventure, laughter, mystery and sometimes horror, and love, platonic or romantic. "One Dozen Daughters" is a fresh new look at what a princess without a dowry would have to do to make her own way in the world, and with the encouragement of her family.

My advice to anyone who is a Mercedes Lackey fan, especially anyone who enjoys either the "Elemental Masters" or "Five Hundred Kingdoms" is to pick up The House of the Four Winds and give it a chance. Perhaps the book will bespell you as it has me. No book is perfect, but this one is close as it has the right amount of reality along with the suspension of disbelief that you need when reading a good fantasy novel.

NOTE: I was lucky enough to be offered a chance to read this book through Netgalley a few days before it will be officially released to the public. The House of the Four Winds was just released today (August 5th - I am updating my review at this time since the book has been released) and can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXZZXV6/?tag=shasworofboo-20.

If you enjoyed my review, I would appreciate if you could mark it as being helpful on Amazon as well, as this is useful to both the reviewer and the author. I have included the link to the Amazon review in the Source section at the bottom of this review.