A magical snowstorm engulfs the northern forests of the kingdom, bringing with it the threat of the Winter Court. Yet even amidst news of a fae host massing upon the horizon, secession and rebellion still raises its head. The Duchy of Aquina has announced the Tournament of Crowns, threatening to plunge the realm into its deepest crisis.
Faced with the simultaneous threats of invasion and civil war, Juliette Contzen, 3rd Princess and still begrudging adventurer, strives forth to defend her sources of taxable income.
These books are just so very refreshing. The story is a fun, lighthearted, clean romp that isn't the least bit afraid to make fun of itself. I love the author's creativity and the ease in which the world building just seamlessly blends into the story without any info dumps. I also love the characters and how they are both growing and growing together in their adventures (especially the MC and her Future Handmaiden). The best part is that if my 7 year old girl begs to listen to Mommy's book (I always read along while listening to the Audible version, and the narrator here has made every character special!), I don't have to make a mad dash to switch books, lest I suddenly find my baby replacing every other word with an F-bomb or learning what a harem is, unlike with so very many in this general area of subgenres. I can't WAIT to see how the newly made "D-rank" adventurer and her gluttonous assistant librarian buddy make the pirates wish they had never taken to the seas! 10/10!
I hate recapping books. Let’s just say I enjoy these characters more and more with each book. Juliette is royally aloof yet actually super perceptive and oddly brilliant. Coppelia is the perfect sidekick. The clockwork doll that loves life. She knows Juliette is special and she’s hanging around for the laughs. The new characters introduced are great. Snow Dancer, Duck A and Duck B, Marina. The individual adventures are very enjoyable. It’s enjoyable fun on every page and quite well written. And… introducing new characters at the end kinda reminds me of the old campy Batman series… Love it.
This series continues to get better as it goes. New characters that appall Juliet, new delicious b grade delicacies to turn her nose up at, new giggles for me to have!