Pennyroyal Academy by M. A. Larson

          Pennyroyal Academy Website 

                      Author's Website

9.9/10

Okay, I have to admit, though I always love fantasy/sci-fi, I was skeptical about this bargain basement priced Scholastic Book Fair book.  Seriously, I paid $2.50 for it at a book fair!!!!  Sorry Ms. Fleming, you have to read this one!!!  You won't regret it! 

To my delight and surprise it was rich and wonderful, surprising an original.  It is one of the best princess books I have ever read!  It redefines princess.  It elevates princess.  This author's first book?  Incredible.  

FLAVORS ooze from this chapter book.  Advanced Vocabulary knows no bounds inside these pages.  Many surprise twists.  I want to read the sequel!  

Following the theme?  You tell me... environment-cave and princess academy, parents?- oh my, I can't give it away, you will just have to trust me on this one, very unique, and Evie definitely a heroine from the get go, surviving the odds...and there is a massive storm!!  It is written in 3rd person.

Advanced Vocabulary...

"...the girl didn't even notice the vertiginous cliffs..."

"...an enormous wooden bridge began to lower across the chasm."

"An ominous murmuring sound.

"...then befuddlement when their eyes landed on her.

This is on two consecutive pages.  It is loaded!!  Reminds me of Thornbirds.  (That is the book I used in my junior year of high school to find everyone of the teacher assigned advanced vocabulary words!!  LOL!)