Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Erin Clemence

Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds #1)” by Robin Mahle and Elle Madison is a combination of the Disney Pixar movie, “Brave” mixed in with a little bit of Sarah J Maas’ (“A Crown of Wings and Fury” series).

Princess Rowan and her cousin Davin are arrested for trespassing and smuggling, held captive by the “barbarian” country that has been at war with their home of Lochlann, for years. Rowan is able to convince the Socairans to let Davin go free, but in exchange, she is to face a trial at the hands of the elder leaders of the surrounding communities. Accompanied to the Summit by Theo, a Socairan prince, Rowan anxiously awaits her fate- wondering if she will be subject to death. But as the journey goes forward and the Summit date draws near, Rowan and Theo begin to fall for each other even though both know that a relationship between the two rival clans would not be looked at favourably. As the Summit arrives, Rowan fears that she will be separated from Theo forever and Theo wonders if his influence will be enough to save Rowan’s life.

“Scarlet Princess” has nothing in its plotline that will be unexpected. Fans of this genre, and YA fantasy fans, will know exactly what is going to happen and how it will play out. That does not mean, of course, that you can’t enjoy the ride along the way.

Rowan is spunky and wry, unwilling to accept the fate dolled on upon her by the male leaders, every ounce the stereotypical young female role model. Sarcastic and brave, she is the very face of the protagonist we come to expect in a female-led YA fantasy series. Theo too, is the “well built, handsome and chiseled” prince whose love for Rowan is unexpected, and risky, but the two fall madly in love with each other anyway, after less than two weeks together.

The novel is the first in a series, and I adored Rowan enough that I am invested in seeing what happens next. “Scarlet Princess” is well-written, easy to read, and has great flow. The characters are completely charming and likable, and there is an instant bond between Rowan and the reader. I was invested in what her fate would be, and the ending provided the expected cliff-hanger that comes with a series of novels. “Scarlet Princess” is a light and fun fantasy read, and it will definitely appeal to fans of Sarah J Maas and authors of her ilk.