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| The Princess and the Hound | 
 enlarge | Author: Mette Ivie Harrison
Publisher: Eos
Category: Book
List Price: £8.99
Buy New: £3.12
You Save: £5.87 (65%)
New (19) from £3.12
Avg. Customer Rating:  2 reviews
Sales Rank: 207165
Media: Paperback
Edition: Reprint
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 432
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 7.8 x 5.3 x 1.2
ISBN: 006113189X
EAN: 9780061131899
ASIN: 006113189X
Publication Date: June 1, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
Animals and humans - friends or foe? September 1, 2007
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
THE PRINCESS AND THE HOUND is ultimately a novel about how to be what is true to yourself.
Prince George and his mother both share what is known as 'animal magic' - they are able to communicate with animals, and both seem to be happier around them than they are in the presence of fellow human beings. But, in their kingdom, animal magic is misunderstood and feared. Anyone found 'guilty' of having the ability may be punished by death at the stake. When George's mum dies whilst he is still a young boy, it means that he is even more alone. Not wishing to feel the pain of losing someone so dear to him again, he decides not to get too close to anybody - love hurts.
Princess Beatrice is a young woman who has a lot in common with George. She is isolated, as she is neglected by her father. His treatment of her is quite cruel - openly putting her down in front of others or hardly noticing her existence at all. Because of this treatment, she spends more time with her faithful black hound than she does other people. Princess and dog are inseperable; even more reason for others to find something to dislike or mistrust in her.
As a way of trying to build an ally out of the two kingdoms, a marriage is arranged between George and Beatrice. Both see it as their duty to go ahead with the marriage, but neither of them are prepared to fall in love.
Yet more joins them than they know, for both of them have a secret which must be kept.
Harrison has done a superb job at creating a world which is seeped in superstition and fear of the unknown. Despite the status of George and Beatrice, Harrison shows that fitting into your place in the world is not always so crystal clear. To fulfill your destiny, does that mean that sometimes you may have to deny yourself?
Although this novel does not develop at a super fast speed as some others I could think of, the gradual maturing and development of both George and Beatrice make the read a gratifying one. I am sure, despite the hint of magic to their tale, that many readers could see something of themselves within these characters, if they look hard enough.
Recommended to youg adults and those who love their animals.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too July 3, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
In an enchanted land, Prince George is a young man who has always kept a secret. He, like his mother, was born with the ability to talk to animals, a gift shunned by the rest of the kingdom. In fact, anyone found with the "animal magic" is burned at the stake to get rid of the "evil." When his mother dies, George is left all alone and seeks refuge in his own private world.
Then a marriage arrangement is made with the princess of the neighboring kingdom.
Neglected by her father, Princess Beatrice is shy and reclusive, only trusting her own pet hound. Can George ever get through the cold barrier surrounding the princess and find out what secrets she also hides?
This compelling novel takes a unique and interesting spin off of the usual classic fairy tales. THE PRINCESS AND THE HOUND is full of imagination and will be sure to intrigue readers longing for more than the usual, romantic prince-meets-princess tale. I would recommend THE PRINCESS AND THE HOUND to all fantasy lovers looking for a new flavor.
Reviewed by: Safia Abdul
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