KISS OF THE ROYAL

A princess with magical powers joins forces with a skeptical prince in a battle against a wicked army in this debut YA novel.

The Royal Legion of the Crown City of Myria has fought the Evil Queen and her warriors of darkness for 500 years. The queen commands an arsenal of creatures, including goblins, dragons, and trolls, but the princesses of the Legion possess magic that supplies their battle partner princes an advantage over the menacing hordes. A kiss from a princess accompanied by the right spell can heal a prince, give him strength in battle, or counter a curse. Princess Ivy Myriana, a direct descendent of founding Queen Myriana, has the strongest kiss. Her new partner, Prince Zach, is a skilled swordsman who, to her chagrin, refuses her kiss. He will only kiss out of love, a concept she believes is a “bloody fairy tale.” As the sinister band strengthens, Ivy and Zach embark on a mission to find and destroy a rare and deadly Sable Dragon. Together, they face dangerous griffins and a cursed village and share an attraction that prompts Ivy to reassess everything she thought she knew about kisses and love. Duga’s fantasy is a rousing romantic adventure with dynamic characters and thrilling action sequences. The author has a knack for creating well-rounded protagonists. Ivy is smart, resourceful, and confident in the power of her kisses. Then she meets Zach and discovers what can be achieved without a kiss. Her relationship with the prince unfolds at a slow-burning pace as her notions of love are challenged. The chemistry between Ivy and Zach is palpable, whether they are facing perils or enjoying a quiet dinner together. Duga does a fine job balancing the romance at the heart of the story with effective action scenes, including an episode in which Ivy and Zach dive into a well to retrieve an important amulet.

An enchanting treat for fantasy fans.