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Crown princess Aurelia is a survivor. She survived attempted assassination. She survived the king's rejection. She survived her mother's abandonment. And now, in exile, she must survive her kingdom-from hostile crowds to raw frontier to desert sands. But even as unknown assailants track Aurelia and expedition guide Robert, she knows her greatest risk is falling in love...

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

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2970 people want to read

About the author

Anne Osterlund

5 books5,390 followers
Anne Osterlund grew up in the sunshine of Eastern Oregon and graduated from Whitworth College. She lives in a cute little yellow house with her best feline friend, Simba, and her own library of young adult books. She enjoys immersing her students in language, literature, and imagination. Anne has written five novels: Aurelia, Exile, Redemption, Academy 7, and Salvation. She has dreams of many more in the future. Unveil the intrigue on her website. www.anneosterlund.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
Profile Image for Anne Osterlund.
Author 5 books5,390 followers
April 29, 2011
Thoughts from the author (and Aurelia):


Exile began with Aurelia, of course.

She has always insisted on a sequel to her first book—at least as far back as I can recall.

Though, technically, I started typing the initial draft of Exile the weekend after my first submission deadline for Academy 7.

Vroom! We were off—Robert, Aurelia, and I, thundering through their expedition.

Of course, there were certain things Aurelia didn’t inform me of in that first draft.

The forest, for example. Silly me, I thought the Asyan Forest was the setting for a single chapter. Little did I know it was going to snatch us up and refuse to let us leave. I spent an entire Christmas in the forest. The beginning of the following summer, we were still there.

And then I had take a detour into the draft for a different book.

Ooh! Aurelia was mad! “You’ve leaving us stuck here!” she yelled at me. “How can you leave us here?!”

I used logic.

Penguin used logic.

My brand new agent, Kelly Sonnack from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, used logic.

Guess who won?

Not anyone using logic.

By the end of the summer, Aurelia, Robert, and I were out of the forest and onto the frontier (definitely worth the struggle) with the scariest deadline I’ve ever had in my life.

Aurelia, on the other hand, was happy.
Profile Image for Sierra Abrams.
Author 2 books455 followers
April 5, 2011
www.yearningtoread.blogspot.com

Welcome back to Aurelia's world. She's no longer a friend in her kingdom - not even a guest. And yet, her exile has given her the chance to get away and travel the world. She has wanted to see the deserts, the frontier, to talk to the people of Tyralt and seek their needs...and now she is finally going. Robert is coming too. Robert, who kissed her that day after their ride together. Robert, who has been her friend since they were young and who just recently saved her life...multiple times. Aurelia doesn't know the dangers that await her in her exile, but she does know that she has to get away from her murdering family and to possibly even find a way to save her kingdom from destruction.

If only she wasn't falling in love with Robert... Saving her country could be so much easier.

_________________________________

My thoughts -

After waiting nearly a year to read this book, it's finally here. It's not just a thought or an idea anymore, it's actually in my hands. And I have had the immense honor and pleasure of being one of the very first to read it.

I was a fan of Aurelia from the very start, when I read it in three days (reading the whole last half on the third day, it was that good). But I have to admit, I didn't give much thought to what would happen in book #2. I honestly couldn't think of the wonders that I could be possibly be introduced to in book #2. There were so many options...so many ways it could go...I contented myself to waiting for the book to come out.

Oh boy. OOOOOHH boy. Let me just say first that Anne Osterlund is one talented writer. Her skill and style are so perfect for the type of books that she writes. I was so amazed by what I read when I first opened the book, how she describes everything, how she incorporates the world around her characters into how they feel. Really amazing. It was action packed and full to the brim with more mystery. The hard lives of the the people in Tyralt, the secrets behind Aurelia's mother's disappearance... It all unfolded with suspense and kept me sucked in without falter.

And then there are the characters. Aurelia keeps true to her personality and what she believes in. She is headstrong and a great leader. And all the while she is growing and maturing. Robert is the same kind-hearted, giving, loving young man. And he, too, grows and matures. By the end of this book they've been through so much together that you can't help but feel attached to them, even more so than in Aurelia.

Favorite character -

Aurelia and Robert tie. I know, I know, they're both lead roles. But I love them too much to be able to pick anyone else. At the end of the first book, I thought I loved Robert...but now I love him even more! You just can't help but respect him!

Favorite aspects/scenes -

The way Aurelia and Robert grow during their journey. It truly is an amazing example of growing and learning (and how to build characters well in a story). They mold into who they are - together and apart. (Also, until half-way through this book, Robert was still a boy... At the end, however, he was a man. It was amazing to see that transition and for it to be so clear and perfect for the story!) And that brings me to my second and third favorite parts of the book...the love story and the different ways the characters sacrifice during their journey. Seriously, this book is awesome.

One word to sum up this book -

Unexpected. Really and truly, I was not expecting this book to be what it was. The opening scenes, the journey the characters take together, the ways they grow, the places they see - it was an altogether perfect second installation to the books about Aurelia's life. I honestly don't think I can wait much longer to see what's next in their adventurous life together in Tyralt.

For the parents -

There's really nothing to complain about in this book. One use of the word "bastard". Some kissing (nondescript), holding (nondescript), and a reference to Aurelia stopping them from doing anything (also nondescript). So clean and sweet and innocent, and they love each other so much. Recommended ages 12 or 13 and older - adult readers should read this too! :)
Profile Image for Maxine Mathew.
97 reviews
December 3, 2013
Still recuperating from the shock of her attempted assassination and her father’s refusal to believe in her stepsister’s role in it, crown princess Aurelia now faces exile. Guided by Robert, her childhood friend, Aurelia embarks upon her dream expedition to traverse the kingdom of Tyralt. Her journey makes her come face to face with the plight of the people, making her question the laws and justice of the kingdom controlled by her father. As she braves unruly crowds and the harsh terrains, the threat of assassins still looms near. Strongly shaken by what has happened in the last few weeks, she starts to question her feelings for Robert, who has always been a true friend to her, who has protected and comforted her whenever she needed him. What Aurelia really fears, more than the assassins, is falling in love with Robert, and afraid of her heart being broken in the process.

I loved Exile! I have not read much of romance and frankly, I don’t think it my cup of tea. So, Exile came as a pleasant surprise even if it was the politics and the people of Tyralt that really got me interested.

I was pulled into Aurelia’s world filled with mystery, intrigue and the thrill of adventure by the spellbinding narrative. I love the fact that the author tells the story from the perspectives of both Aurelia and Robert, so that readers don’t have to guess at what the other character is feeling. Seeing the same situation from both their perspectives makes the reader feel closer to the characters and also, better acquainted with the situation. Everytime Robert hid his feelings from Aurelia or misinterpreted her feelings towards him, I found myself screaming in my head - ‘Tell her, tell her, she feels the same for you!!’. Alas the author seems to take her own sweet time to get the matters resolved between them. The author is successful in connecting the reader to her characters. I felt each emotion Robert and Aurelia feel- their fears, their guilt and their love. Other than the romance and mystery surrounding the novel, I also loved the sub-plots in the book revolving around the people of Tyralt. It is only after travelling outside the capital city that Aurelia is confronted with the darker side of her father’s kingdom. This holds true even in real life. Our leaders may see to the betterment of the people around them, but forget the people who are too poor or powerless to speak out for their rights. In many cases development takes place with the sole help of the common people but the leaders take way the glory. This too is depicted in the book. I loved how Aurelia got down from her horse to talk to the common people, signifying the need for the leaders to get down to the commoners to know their problems, rather than remain unreachable and distant.

For me, the characters make up the story because if the characters themselves are dull then the story itself loses its lure, no matter how well it is written or how good the plot is. In Exile, both the characters are interesting and believable. We see both of them carrying the guilt of killing someone, even though they had done it to protect themselves or others. In most books, if a character kills someone it is held as a heroic act and there is no mention of their guilt. The feeling of regret and guilt felt by the protagonists makes them more realistic and relatable because in real life it is much harder to get over the remorse of killing someone, no matter how justified the reason is. Both Robert and Aurelia are strong characters. While Robert is putting everything he ever held precious at risk to protect Aurelia unquestioningly, Aurelia risks going against the throne to help the people.

Told in an appealing style, Exile will hold your attention right till the very end. The cliff hanger ending left me eager and impatient to read its next instalment. But as that is not going to come out till at least next year, I might as well satisfy myself by re-reading the first part.

Overall:
An intriguing and mesmerising story

Recommended?
Yes, to all young adults who enjoy reading romance and to those who are looking for something that's entertaining and fast-paced.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,544 reviews271 followers
September 23, 2019
I liked this second book more then the first. It had a faster pace and much more character development.I loved the two main characters who go through a lot and learn to deal with what has happened and trying to find out who they are.This book was darker then the first a lot more violence and their relationship changes to boyfriend girlfriend and their is some kisses. I would recommend this book for 14 and up. This is not the conclusion to Aurelia's story but the end does wrap up nicely-no cliff hangers, thank goodness. Anne has created and fan in me!
Reread 9/23- I wanted to read the third book so it made this book too long:} I think waiting 10 years for the sequel was a bit much. There is a lot to these stories that is true to life and feels very realistic, especially there feelings. There was some things this time around that were hard to believe, but it is still an enjoyable and compelling story.
785 reviews2 followers
Read
July 25, 2011
are you kidding me?! april of 2011? i have to wait that long...? :(

got to page 60
will finish it one day perhaps but i'm trying to stop reading so much ya fic...
Profile Image for Michelle.
719 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2011
This story picks up right where Aurelia left off and you won’t really understand this story without having read the first one. Robert and Aurelia have discovered that the person behind the assassination attempts is Aurelia’s half sister Melony. Aurelia has just left the capital to tour the country and she hopes to get to know her people as well as remove herself from any lingering danger. Not long into their journey they discover that the danger has not passed, and Aurelia is still being hunted. She has to rely entirely on Robert to keep her safe and that only intensifies her feeling for him.[return][return]I enjoyed Aurelia fairly well, but this story dragged for me. I think it’s because Aurelia and Robert spend much of the time analyzing the situation and their feelings. I felt like we just went around and around in circles for most of the story. It’s only the final quarter of the book that there is much progress on the actual plot. It really seemed like she was in denial about the danger she was in. And so much of the story felt like she was just trying to avoid making a decision about her life and ruling. By the end of the story I was vaguely irritated at her. I would like to know what eventually happens so if there ends up being another sequel I will probably at least skim though it, but I’m not sure that I want to invest much more time than that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Casey.
180 reviews
November 2, 2011
This just felt like a "filler" until the third book. I'm still not exactly sure what the whole purpose of the expedition was. True, Aurelia was visiting those places so she could get a feel for the people in her kingdom, but then what? She knows her sister is plotting her death and that things aren't right back at the castle, I guess I just felt like it would have been more believable if the expedition was being used to form outside alliances instead of just observing. It almost seemed like the sole purpose of the expedition was to provide more romantic tension between characters.

I also found Aurelia very annoying! There was too much back and forth of "I love him, but I can't love him, I love her, but I can't love her."

I'm hoping the third book redeems the series.
Profile Image for Leah (Jane Speare).
1,478 reviews434 followers
October 5, 2010
I was immediately hooked. It is full of dramatic adventure that kept my on my toes. Though its a companion to Aurelia which I read when it came out a few years ago, you do not need to have read it to fully enjoy Exile. Aurelia and Robert are on the run to explore the whole country of Tyralt, discovering new cultures and attracting new dangers at every page. Her sister, Melony is working with the Queen to pursue the assassination of Aurelia. By the way the last page leaves you hanging, you can tell a sequel is coming!
Profile Image for Sarah.
371 reviews51 followers
September 16, 2015
Aurelia is crown princess of Tyralt. Or was, before she was exiled...by choice. In the first novel Aurelia, her younger sister tried to have her assassinated, and the reigning King (their father) turned a blind eye. Instead, he tried to marry her off to the king of a neighboring country, who happened to be several decades older than Aurelia, and incredibly creepy. Add all that to a untrustworthy queen (not Aurelia's mother, but the King's former mistress who replaced her, and who may in fact have murdered her previous husband), the cousin of an old friend who's loyalties didn't lie where she thought they did, and the fact that her sister is all to ready to try to kill her again, all added up to Aurelia's self-imposed Exile.

Exile, the sequel to Aurelia starts a few weeks after Aurelia's expedition to explore the country after leaving the capital began. With her is the man who saved her life, Robert, who may just be the only person she was truly trust. He's a childhood friend of hers, a confidant, and love-interest. Together, they travel across Tyralt in this novel, and meet up with a host of complicated situations, in just as many interesting settings.

Plot Unlike the plot of the first novel, Exile has many different, segmented plots that revolve around the places Robert and Aurelia are at the time these plots are going on. The all-incumpassing plot is far more hidden, but nonetheless is there. It just has more to do with Robert and Aurelia's emotions and states of mind, and how they change, throughout the book. I loved this emotional plot, and I also loved all the little literal ones. From the argument in the begging, to the fire, to the community in the woods, to the discovery of the mother who left Aurelia behind years ago, to the frontier, to meeting and gaining approval from Robert's family, and all the other steps along the way (I won't even mention any more of them, as to not spoil too much, in case you're reading this review even if you haven't read the book, despite the spoiler warning). And the climax? Well, we knew from Aurelia that Anne Osterlund is brilliant and writing a climax.

Characters: Aurelia is as strong-willed, smart, and impulsive as ever, and it's serving her well when it comes to learning as much as she can in as little time possible. When the author refered to Aurelia (in the first novel) as Cinderella backwards, in the fact that she was a princess who shouldn't have been a princess, I found an interesting, if odd, description. Then, when I read the book, it absolutely rang true. But it rang truer still in Exile, when we find that Aurelia is more comfortable with herself out traveling the frontier than she ever was at an awkward dinner party with a figurative chain around her ankle. She's also more selfless than I ever realized.
Aurelia's emotions were very real in this book, in every situation. Meeting the mother who left her behind was empty, when Aurelia had so wished it to be life-changing. Her disapointment in her mother's weakness turned into my disapointment, just from reading her thoughts. Her devestation at her father's death also seemed real, and I felt for her. Although I wasn't there when my father died either, at least I knew we were on the best of terms. How awful would it be for your father to die when you had fled after his betrayal. Just becuase he did nothing when Melony tried to kill Aurelia didn't mean he wasn't her father, and Aurelia's emotions reflected that. Even Aurelia's attempts for Robert's parents' approval felt real, and seemed like her reality was seeping into mine.

Robert is another character I love. He's as strong-willed and smart as Aurelia, but much quieter about it. He's admirable, and undoubtably the "good-guy". Have I mentioned how much I'm a sucker for a good guy? It's the honest heroes that always pique my interest. While the first book is pretty evenly split when it comes to who's head the reader is in, this one is not. We're in Robert's head maybe 25-30% of the time, and although I liked having more insight into Aurelia, I missed having more access to Robert's thoughts. However, whenever I was in his mind it was fantastic. His guilt, his fear, his protectiveness of Aurelia, and everything else were so real.

There were a lot of minor characters, too, and plenty of them to both love and hate. Robert's parents top the list of those I loved, along with Drew, Daria and Thomas, and the people in the desert. I'm also very intrigued by the new Heir of Vashone and what his presence could mean for Robert and Aurelia if (and hopefully when) she gets back the throne.

Melony topped the list of characters I hated, and I wanted to strangle her. While her betrayal was a surprise in Aurelia, it wasn't here. Frankly, I'm still waiting for karma to come and beat her over the back of the head. If that doesn't happen in a future book, I am going to be very, very angry. I also hated the King (despite his ultimate fate), because he didn't do anything to stop her before she went too far. And of course I hated Elise, because I think she's secretly been coaxing Melony along (I don't think Melony is bright enough to have done all that by herself). But I missed seeing the characters I hated, in this book, because although they were there, they never really showed up. Just sent messangers and things. And it was the palace intrigue where no one could be trusted, even though they claimed to be your friends, that I missed.

Anyway, I loved the characters (and the ones I didn't love, I loved to hate).

Romance: More than ever. Aurelia was subtly romantic, but Exile took the concept full-swing. Robert and Aurelia are by themselves for most of the book, and as you can imagine this leads to several very, very romantic situations. You'll just have to read it to find out.

Writing: I'm a huge fan of Anne Osterlund. I think she's brilliant. Aurelia is one of my favorite books of all time, and Exile is also very good (although doesn't top the first one, but I don't think anything could've done that). Then there's Academy 7, which I also loved with a passion. And have you read Anne Osterlund's blog? Because it's brilliant, too.

Cover: Love it. And the key? Oh, is that awesome. Especially because it doesn't come into play until the end of the novel.

Overall: Great book. If you read Aurelia and liked it, then you should definitely read it. While I don't think it is quite as good as the first book (it just has a very different tone), it is absolutely fantastic. Definitely worth the read. If you haven't read Aurelia yet, then you should read that one first. At least you'll have the advantage of not having to wait for this sequel! I hope there is at least one more Aurelia book, too tie up all the loose ends and put Aurelia back on the throne, but I don't know for sure if there will be one. Even if there isn't, this book ended well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karen Keyte.
427 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2011
She was born a Princess in the palace of Tyralt, the most powerful kingdom in the land. She was raised to rule her people, learning etiquette and diplomacy and above all duty, surrounded by luxury and privilege. But Aurelia Lauzon's life has been anything but cozy and pampered. At the age of three she witnessed the death of her older brother and suffered not only the grief of his loss but subsequent abandonment by her mother. She watched as barely two years later her father chose a new Queen, a hard, cold woman with little affection for her. She has seen her childhood friends drift away one by one, the effort required to be close to the Crown Princess gradually defeating each of them. Through it all, Aurelia put her love for Tyralt and her duty to her people before all, even her own dreams and desires. And now she has had to come face to face with the ultimate betrayal.

After a spate of attempts on the life of the Crown Princess, an investigation revealed that Aurelia's younger sister was at the center of the plot. Reeling from the discovery that her beloved sister Melony harbored such contempt and hatred for her, Aurelia turned to her father the King, only to be betrayed once again. Weak and too fearful of scandal to publicly reveal Melony's role in the plot or to punish her in any way, her father informed Aurelia that she must marry the aged and odious King of Anthone. "You are no longer safe in the palace," he said. For Aurelia, this is one step beyond way too far. If she is not safe in the palace it is because her father refuses to make her so. She rejected his ultimatum and the marriage, even though doing so means her father will likely renounce her as his heir and name Melony in her stead.

Disgusted with all that has happened, Aurelia has chosen exile, and the chance to fulfill a life-long dream. Now she is embarking on an expedition to traverse the Kingdom of Tyralt and to meet the people she loves so dearly, even is she may not ever rule them. By her side is her only true friend, Robert Vantauge, a childhood classmate grown to manhood and the only person in Tyralt Aurelia trusts. Robert knows, even if Aurelia has not yet realized, that removal from the palace and the intrigues of court will not necessarily thwart those who have been plotting against her. As the expedition gets underway, he struggles daily with his feelings for Aurelia and his absolute need to see her safe, even as he helps her to see Tyralt as it truly is - both beautiful and cruel, a land of strength and wealth, but also hardships and injustice. Yet, as deadly forces track Aurelia through the Kingdom, her greatest fears are not for her own life, but for the country and the people she fears she can no longer help, and for the safety of her heart in the face of the young man who loves Tyralt as passionately as she does.

First of all, if you have never read anything by Anne Osterlund, you have no idea what you've been missing. Both Academy 7 (a stand alone novel) and Aurelia (the novel that precedes this one) are fabulous stories, well-written and possessing the kind of depth and nuance you rarely see in Y.A. fiction. Like those two previous works, Exile takes place in a world so well drawn and so richly peopled that it's easy to think of it as historical fiction rather than fantasy. And the truth is, it is some of both and so much more. I loved this book - the story, the landscape, and the wonderfully three-dimensional characters. To my mind, Ms. Osterlund is one of the most talented Young Adult fantasy authors writing today.

As an interesting side note, according to the author's blog it was Aurelia herself who insisted on a sequel - loudly and often until her demands were met. I, for one, am grateful for her agitation. And although I am eagerly looking forward to Salvation, the novel the Ms. Osterlund is currently working on, I can't help hoping that Aurelia will convince her to start a sequel to Exile soon.
Profile Image for Reading Vacation.
524 reviews105 followers
March 9, 2011
In this stunning sequel, Princess Aurelia has been exiled from the kingdom of Tyralt. Together with Robert, she faces betrayal and danger in strange lands. Exile is a wild ride that I didn’t want to get off.

There are several facets to Princess Aurelia and Robert’s journey. It is a journey of survival as Princess Aurelia must escape the step-sister who wants her dead. It is also a journey of love as Princess Aurelia and Robert realize that they have strong feelings for each other. Finally, it is a journey of discovery as Princess Aurelia learns details of her family history.

The journey itself is breathtaking. Both the locales and the characters along the way are intriguing. My favorite location is the frontier because it is so peaceful and open. My favorite characters are Robert’s parents. I loved the stories that Robert’s father told and the spy tricks he shared.

Anne Osterlund has done it again. With a compelling plot and strongly developed characters, Exile delivers. I can’t wait for the final book!

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

Look at that gorgeous sunset! Is that a key to Princess Aurelia’s heart? I really like that she is in a cream colored dress just like the Aurelia cover.
Profile Image for Rachelle.
132 reviews
July 18, 2013
Aurelia was the next in line to the throne of Tyralt, that is until her half sister was planning an elaborate scheme to kill her. Betrayed by her sister, it was Aurelia who is exile and denounced from her throne from her father to avoid bad press in front of the public. Now Aurelia is off to explore the land that she was suppose to rule one day with the attendance of her childhood friend Robert. Things heat up between them but Aurelia's friend warns her not to hurt Robert and Robert's parents worry that he's going to put his whole heart into it and later she'll crush it. Not to mention, someone is still after the Aurelia, even after getting exiled.

I didn't expect this book to end the way it did. I'm a bit disappointed because it seems like evil triumphs over the good. From what I remember from the first book, Aurelia is fearless and I didn't think she was anymore for being all over Robert. She seems like the type of person who wouldn't let a guy define her but in the sequel it seems that way. The end could've been better for me.I did like how Aurelia realized that she still loves her father after all he's done to their family and knows the real truth about her mother leaving. This book had it's good parts and I just wished the ending was better.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
991 reviews
May 10, 2011
It has been about 3 years since I have read and loved Aurelia. At that point I really liked Aurelia and Robert as strong independent characters. But in Exile we come to realize that there is way more strength, independence, resilence in these two characters.

For those of us who have read the book we become well aware that there has to be at least one more sequel to this story. Let's hope we can find some joy and happiness for Aurelia, Robert and the people of Tyralt before this series is over.
Profile Image for Kristi.
1,205 reviews2,862 followers
June 3, 2011
I thought Aurelia was fantastic..... but I LOVED Exile! I was immediately hooked from the first page! If you thought Aurelia was a whirlwind, just wait until you dive into Exile!

Exile is a companion novel to Aurelia. It could be considered a sequel, but you don't necessarily need to read Aurelia.... though I'd recommend you do to have a better overall understanding of the characters and the story line. We pick off right where Aurelia left off, but I won't really mention much more than that as to keep this review un-spoilery.

I loved visiting all the different places in Aurelia's kingdom and I was glad that her and Robert were my guides! Just when I thought I had these two figured out, just when I thought they might catch a break... the tides change and the waves knock me off my feet! It was so fun to read! I honestly never knew what was going happen next.

Osterlund has done it again! With unforgettable characters and an epic story, Aurelia is sure to win your heart and her stories a place on your shelf!

And how about that ending?! I truly hope that there is more of this story so be told!
Profile Image for Brenda.
562 reviews14 followers
July 19, 2011
The Crown Princess has been exiled from her home of Tyralt. With the handsome and often times brooding Robert as her guide, how can things go wrong? Well, they do. This story takes us on an adventure traveling to the many regions Aurelia should one day rule over. She gets to meet new people and see how her future subjects live- and is none too happy about it. She is shocked to see the injustices everywhere and can't believe that the king would allow such things to happen. The book is wonderfully descriptive and the different landscapes traveled were fascinating. I loved the character development in this book. Aurelia really sees how important it is to be a good ruler and is determined not to let her father, the queen or Melony rule so unfairly any longer. I love how abrasive Aurelia is to not just Robert, but to everyone. She is wounded and lashes out but has such a good heart and is driven to make things better for all. I loved Roberts parents and his relationship with both of them. The romance was sweet and I can't wait for the next book. Fantastic job Anne:)
Profile Image for Clare.
1,460 reviews311 followers
June 30, 2011
Exile was a satisfactory sequel to Aurelia, continuing the feisty heroine's journey to meet the people of her land. Yet I felt the story lacked something. It is told in the style of a grand epic but the plot never achieved the momentous climax it seemed to promise. While the characters did face grave dangers and uncertain futures and struggled to resist a romance that shouldn't be, the persistently melodramatic tone dampened the story's power and the romantic struggle was vanquished so often that it lost its tension. One brief episode has them going so far that she hastens to stop him for fear she'll get pregnant and lose her claim to the crown. There is very little description but it still makes it harder to recommend the book to younger readers who may precisely be the ones to appreciate this kind of story. The ending didn't offer a convincing resolution and left me a little confused; it asks for a sequel but I couldn't find an indication that there will be one.
Profile Image for Ashley.
25 reviews
March 22, 2014

Title: Exile

Author: Anne Osterlund

Description (Goodreads): Crown princess Aurelia is a survivor. She survived attempted assassination. She survived the king's rejection. She survived her mother's abandonment. And now, in exile, she must survive her kingdom-from hostile crowds to raw frontier to desert sands. But even as unknown assailants track Aurelia and expedition guide Robert, she knows her greatest risk is falling in love...

Language: 0

Objectionable content: kissing, romance, mention of killing, violence
Age recommendation: highschool students

Pros: I loved this book! It was such an attention grabber. This book had some romance in it, plus some intrigue and mystery. I loved how right away the author caught your attention. I would definitely recommend this book if you like action-filled books.

Cons: Nothing that I can think of!

5 stars < 4 stars < 3 stars < 2 stars <1 star

Profile Image for Stardust9820.
9 reviews34 followers
Want to read
December 14, 2012
I am so excited to read this book, I can't wait!

APPARENTLY... Exile ends in a slight romantic cliffhanger which hints at another sequel.

All I can say,

Please.
Anne Osterlund, please continue the amazing series of Aurelia.
It is AWESOME!!!!

What I hope
- The book's goal is achieved. Keeping Aurelia alive and out of Melody's way.
- Aurelia comes to terms with her love for Robert ( it is so romantically obvious)
> They complement each other perfectly. They were meant to be!!!
- They admit they love each other.
- She, eventually ( at the end of the series) takes up her rightful throne with Robert by her side.

Anne Osterlund, do not stop now! Continue writing Aurelia's story!

It is crucial to the sane minds of people everywhere. Seriously.

Profile Image for Carol Nicolas.
Author 4 books38 followers
September 3, 2013
I finished Aurelia and went right to Exile. I just had to find out what happened next. It was that exciting! In Exile, Robert and Aurelia go on a tour of the kingdom, and Aurelia learns a great deal about the people of her land. Even more she realizes how much she loves her land and people, and how much she wants to help them. But assassins are after them every step of the way, and it looks as if she may never get a chance to do anything for her people. As her love for Robert increases, she is torn between her love for him and her role as princess. This story is full of conflict and excitement. The portrayal of all the different peoples in the land is really fascinating. Thanks, Anne, for a 'good read.' I hope the next book comes out soon.
92 reviews
May 5, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Exile. The plot and story line was straightforward. Although I did wished for more twists and turns in the story, I like the way Anne Osterlund keeps the reader guessing about the end of the story. The end of the book is not the way you wished it to be; it is not a happily ever after ending (a hint to a sequel?). I find that a good thing because it is refreshing to read a book which for once, does not have the happily ever after ending. I’ve read quite a few books in the Young Adult Fantasy genre and Exile is definitely one of the best. The fact that it has clean language is a plus!
Profile Image for Yona Racheva.
1,267 reviews251 followers
September 3, 2011
I'm a little disappointed from this book. I expected more and I think there won't be another book for now, so the series must have end more completed.

The future of Tyralt is still unknown, so is the future of Aurelia and Robert.

And the relationship of Aurelia and Robert wasn't explained and written good enough.

And the book for itself was a little boring and slow in places.

I hope Anne Osterlund to decide to read another book so the series have some complete end, because with the end of the second book it is not complited.

But it ends with hope for a better future, hope that everything is going to be fine, for love and everything....
Profile Image for Abigail.
93 reviews
April 4, 2015
Loved it so much! Though I did not like the ending. There were many questions unanswered and I'm really glad there is a third book!
Profile Image for Danielle Berthelot.
26 reviews6 followers
March 25, 2016
The ending did not provide very much closure, but overall it was pretty good. It was much more story line and action than romance which is a very good thing. I would probably give it 3 1/2 stars
Profile Image for Seton Catholic Central High.
116 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2017
The novel Exile begins from where its previous book in the series, Aurelia, leaves off. There has been an attempted assassination on the crowned princess Aurelia and she was saved by her love Robert. She since has “retired” her crown, only known by her father, and starts an expedition to see the country she is supposed to rule. Initially she is escorted by several guards including Robert and all are killed but the two and they are kidnapped and taken to a kingdom deep in the woods. It turns to be a Lord she knows well and there she finds her mother, who left the palace when she was young after her brother died, and her friends from her youth. They stay there for 3 months when Robert tries to leave and she follows them. From there they continue the expedition and she sees the horrible things of her nation and she meets his parents which makes her fall more in love with him. Eventually her father passes away and she gave the power of the crown to her sister and her sister charges her with treason. The book ends Robert professing his love and the two running from the authorities.
The book comments on humanity in many different ways. A large portion of the book is Aurelia being told her duty is the crown and it does matter how much she is unhappy she must be queen. This pressure to meet the standard given to her, not because it is unattainable but that it would cost her happiness, is relatable on many different levels. Throughout the book she tries to meet the standard but it only causes her harm and her choices are clouded by her unhappiness. However when she listens to her heart her life gets better and she realizes it's not selfish to make yourself happy, it's selfish to believe a country can not survive without you. I think that is a comment the author makes throughout the whole novel with supporting characters as well but the final chapter reveals how that all applies to Aurelia.
I really enjoyed this novel, knowing it would be a romantic novel during a past time period I was bound to like it. What made me very much enjoy this book was that immediately it was a novel of action. Never was there a dull moment in any aspect. The comment that author made on humanity I related to. When I started high school my mother made this standard that I would be a doctor but I knew my heart wasn’t in it. So when I realized what I wanted to do and I started to pursue it life started working out so much better. So this book just made me feel very well about myself.
Profile Image for Katie Kaste.
2,079 reviews
March 5, 2017
It has been a few years since I read the first novel in this series. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to remember what had happened. I was able to pick right back up in the story and continue Aurelia's story. I liked this journey story between Aurelia and Robert. The two needed to take time to be with each other and away from the danger she faces. The story has a bittersweet ending and is a neat journey.
Profile Image for Cecilia Rodriguez.
4,425 reviews55 followers
May 12, 2018
While in exile, Crown Princess Aurelia and Robert Vantauge become
romantically closer.
Osterlund brings up the topic of child slavery(Kuro), but quickly brushes
it aside.
There are other times in the story that action or ideas could benefit from
more development.
The story has a "cliff hanger" ending.
Profile Image for Frau Ott.
851 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2020
I wish I had looked more carefully when I purchased this book. Reading the first novel might have made it a bit easier to get into! But that doesn't mean it wasn't good! Once I knew the characters, things made more sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jenny.
434 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2020
Breezed through this quick, light, and fun read. Very enjoyable YA romance.
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