Review: Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Yes, Aurelia #1
Pages: 246
Copyright: 2008 
Publisher: SPEAK
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
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 king's former royal spy and one of Aurelia's 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 line, her life, her kingdom, her heart, Aurelia is forced to take matters into her own hands, no matter the cost.

Feelings: 
This is the second time I have read this book. The first time I read it, it was a stand along novel. This time I read it so that I  could read the next in the series and understand what was going on. Most of the time when I reread a novel I find it to be diluted because I know the outcome. This was a little but I still enjoyed rereading the story.

Princess Aurelia is a likable character and her innocence is sweet. She is also strong and devious. From the minute Robert returns to the castle he is drawn to her. He remembers his childhood friend, but knows that he wants more than just a friend.

I really enjoyed the opening of this novel.

On the night of her younger sister's coming-out party, Aurelia almost died. Of boredom. Her ankle itched as though a single ant were casually creeping over her flesh. ... She longed to reach down and scratch, but years of royal training had not been entirely lost. She could not afford such a dramatic movement while her father was speaking.p.5

It gives you a good feel for the laughter and fun you will find. The book isn't all funny, and I know that part of me liked the novel for the romance, only a kiss. Sometimes it really makes a novel more enjoyable to have a little romance, and it did for this one.

When I first read this novel in 2009 it read like a stand alone novel so I was a little surprised when I realized it was part of a series. The second one came out a few years ago and the third comes out in October of 2016. I thought it was worth checking out the rest of this series and I'm glad I started back with the first one because I had forgotten much of this story. I recommend Aurelia by Anne Osterlund. It has Princesses, romance, poison, and a intrigue. Both Aurelia and Robert are fun characters.