OUT OF PRINT - This book has been retooled as a true fantasy, and was re-released in October 2017 as a three part novel titled To Make a King, by Kristi Cramer.
Two friends discover the key to a mystery that, once unlocked, will change everything. Enemies they didn't know they had unleash magical forces to make sure the secret never comes to light.
Princess Aslynn and Sebastian have been friends nearly since birth, despite their differing social status. A friendship cemented by a tragic common thread: Aslynn's mother died giving birth to her, and Sebastian is a castaway foundling, raised by the king’s swordmaster.
They lead an idyllic life until the forces of change converge on the small island kingdom they call their home.
After a storm to rival the one that brought Sebastian ashore, the two friends rescue a shipwrecked stranger. In gratitude, the traveling mystic offers to solve the mystery of Sebastian's origins, but as the stranger uncovers clues, events surrounding his arrival stir up more than just the past.
A True Prince is a complete story arc, and does not end on a cliffhanger. Book 2 - due out in July 2016 - picks up five years later. The third book should be out in September or October.
When Kristi isn’t working at her day job, playing outdoors at 3D archery shoots, and hiking or walking in the great Pacific Northwest, you can find her in front of her computer, hammering out exciting suspense stories, or chatting around on social media.
Although she has honed her writing craft for 30+ years, she only published her first book in 2012. Her strange and varied work history - having held jobs from a hotel housekeeper, a car wash attendant, an insurance underwriter, an electronics assembly line worker, a data entry tech in auto parts warehouse, a blueberry nursery shipping coordinator, a local delivery driver, and a truck driver and owner of her own trucking company - gives her a broad base from which to build her characters and storylines. Now a billing specialist for The Arc of Lane County, she supports those who care for people with disabilities while she pursues her writing career in earnest.
She got married for the first time at 38, skipped being a mommy and went straight to Grandma. Turns out it’s best for everyone that way.
Kristi's books are all affordably priced. In the time since self-publishing her first novel in 2012, Kristi has learned that working at selling her writing is a great way to kill the joy she has in the process of writing, so she has returned to the idea of writing for the joy of it. She still puts her heart and soul into producing the best possible product, trying only to make it easy for readers to enjoy her work for the least expense. She doesn't promise perfection but works hard to ensure the quality results in a low-to-distraction-free reading experience.
In April of 2023 she cut eBook prices as low as possible, making them free wherever she could. (Amazon doesn't make it easy to provide free eBooks, so all eBooks there are priced at 99¢.) You can find them free on other platforms - see website (below) for details. Paperbacks are priced as low as Amazon allows, or you can purchase directly from the website at cost.
What's the catch? We don't require anything of readers. If you are moved to do so, please feel free to leave a review. If you can afford it, you can donate to the cause of helping Kristi's bottom line. As of April 2023, money for professional covers will come solely from donations and royalties, or from bartering. See her website for details on how to donate.
What a wonderful short story that may have been crafted with 'young adults' in mind, but a well written novella that adults will also enjoy. A friend recommended this to me, but I almost turned her down as I had stopped reading historical fiction many years ago. Since I'm an avid reader of contemporary fiction now, at first I was hesitant, but decided to go ahead & approached reading this with an open mind. Boy was I pleasantly surprised & actually captivated by this story! The author’s way with words came to life within my mind's eye, intriguing me & successfully changing my mind about the genre with her magical style of writing. “A True Prince” is an engaging story with great descriptions, attention to detail & well defined characters. I was amazed at how the writing pulled me in from the start, to where I did not want to stop reading whenever I had to, and then couldn't wait to get back to reading and find out what would happen next! So yes, I highly recommend this to all fans of fiction no matter the genre, and look forward to more from this talented author.
A True Prince, Book 1 of Kristi Cramer’s The Bonnie Isles Trilogy, is a wonderful YA read. A True Prince is full of magic, twist and lots of players that effect this story. The historical setting in the Bonnie Isles is perfect. The magic, known here as Ley, is the main driving force in A True Prince. To understand, the “explanation of Ley, the ethereal power that stretched in bands around the world and could be tapped by those who could sense and manipulate it.” Kristi Cramer has given us a mystical read that is a sweet read. The roles and interactions of characters keeps you reading to find out how they relate and are going to move the story. I was given this fun Historical read. If you want a fun involved historical, A True Prince is going to leave you very happy. I know I was after my read. Give Kristi Cramer’s Bonnie Isle a try. I look forward to the next visit to the Bonnie Isles.
This is a delightful historical fantasy with a princess, a stable boy, the wicked stepmother, magic, and mystery. It is intended for ages 10-18. I think it is appropriate for all ages. As an adult, I enjoyed it.
A True Prince is well-written, flows smoothly, and held my interest. It is listed as a trilogy but it doesn't end with a cliffhanger. This episode in their lives is completed. Book 2 will pick up several years later. I definitely recommend reading A True Prince.
Having just a moment ago finished this full trilogy i can say with complete honesty that this story has gripped me completely. All loose ends have been tied yet I've fallen so in love with these characters that I would happily read another trilogy based on their daily lives. Every page is enticing, Cramer could write about a traffic jam and make it seem completely mystical. The writing flows beautifully and the story, although fantasy, is also real and at many times relatable. I love this fantasy trilogy and will no doubt read it again.
A rollicking read with a feisty heroine trying to defy her destiny to be queen. Cast in a historical setting, the characters' dialogue is modern but not off-puttingly so. Great for younger YA readers as well as older ones.
The author has captured the Scottish islands really well, with the emphasis being on castle life and the expected role of women. It's a relatively short read that could have been twice as long and not outstayed its welcome. Cramer is a terrific writer with real love for her characters. The next one is on my Kindle...