Graphic Novel Review: Princeless Vol. 2 + Princeless Vol. 3

If you are looking for a fun children graphic novel series featuring diverse characters, strong female characters, a message of empowerment, and full of action and humor then look no further than Jeremy Whitley's Princeless series.

Description: A new collection of the adventures of everyone's favorite runaway princess, the incomparable Adrienne. This time she's out to rescue her older sister Angelica, the most beautiful princess in the world. It won't be easy though. Not only does Adrienne have to deal with Angelica's legions of admirers and their sibling rivalry, but the King has hired a band of ruthless mercenaries to track her down. Can she save Angelica? Does she want to? And how will she deal with these deadly knights who are after her head?

Review: Volume 2 has a different spin on the damsel in distress trope. Adrienne has been so focused on saving her sister Angelica and has gone through several hoops including being on the most wanted posters of her kingdom. When Adrienne spots her sister, she believes convincing her would be super easy until her plans go awry. Angelica has absolutely no intention to be saved and taken away from her admirers. She is very happy being admired for her beauty and treated like a goddess. She feels as if she is actually doing her a community a service by staying put. Adrienne is starting to get the hang of this adventuring thing, and heads off to rescue older sister Angelica. Her plans go awry when she finds that Angelica doesn't want to be rescued at all. While it is sad to see Angelica behave this way, it is clear that being raised to be an object of admiration has shaped who she is and it would be an interesting discussion with younger girls to see if they agree with her that beauty is the most important thing of all. Towards the end there is action as Adrienne run into mercenaries who are trying to capture or kill her for interfering with the King's (also known as her father's) plan. 


Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 3 and up.


If you like this book try: Delilah Dirk series by Tony Cliff, Chronicles of Claudette series by Jorge Aguirre, Far Out Fairy Tales series by Joey Comeau

Description: Adrienne has been on the run and working to save her sisters, but when she finds another princess locked away in a tower, she decides to spring her! But Raven Xingtao, the daughter of the Pirate King, is more of a handful than Adrienne could have ever expected. Before she knows it, Adrienne is off on a whirlwind adventure to complete Raven's quest for revenge!

Review: In this volume, princesses Adrienne and Bedelia find and are introduced to a new spunky character who dances on the edge of a heroine and a villain. Raven Xingtao is the daughter of the feared Pirate King. She idolizes her father and could easily be the next Pirate King, however, her jealous brothers convinced their father that Raven should be treated as a princess because she is a girl and should be locked in a tower until she is rescued by a prince. I liked how Raven is unpredictable and her motives are unclear, which gives this volume its action and suspense. There is also a nice development on the relationship between Adrienne and Raven as they evolve from enemies to friends and then sisters in a common cause. The illustrations are bright and colorful much like the narrative of the graphic novel. Another thoroughly enjoyable volume in this series.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 3 and up.

If you like this book try: Chronicles of Claudette series by Jorge Aguirre, Far Out Fairy Tales series by Joey Comeau