✦ ✦ ✦ ✧ ✧
Oct 14, 2025
ARC review

The Princess Knight is a medieval fantasy retelling of Legally Blonde. It’s always been known that Princess Clía would eventually be Prince Domhnall of a neighboring country in an arranged marriage. Until Domhnall refuses to propose, so Clía does what everyone would: go to the ruthless military academy he’s planning on attending to win him back. But here’s the catch: Clía doesn’t know anything about fighting. Ronan has been training his whole life to become a warrior. He’s worked his way up to become one of Domhnall’s guards, as well as a captain. After Clía has a rough start in the academy, Ronan offers to train her, and the two end up getting along. As the lines of friendship blur, they both face tough decisions between love and loyalty.

I was really excited going into this book because who wouldn’t want to read a medieval Legally Blonde retelling? One of the things that I liked the most about this book was Ronan and Clía’s relationship. I think that it reflected the movie well. It was able to capture little scenes that you’d recognize if you’ve watched the movie, which still having the ability to be entertaining if you haven’t watched the movie. What disappointed me would be the ending, which I found lacking. Overall, this book was very enjoyable, though.

Features:
- legally blonde retelling
- academia
- new adult (fade to black scenes)
- romantasy
- allies to lovers
- queer rep
- dual POV (third person)

2.5 stars; read on for my chaotic thoughts

Look I was all about this when I heard ‘Medievally Blonde’. Unfortunately, expectations and reality did not meet at the finish line.

I’ve seen some reviews comparing this to Fourth Wing, and I have to agree that it definitely shares similarities, but though I have my issues with the Empyrean series, there are things it does better than this—tension, for one. There’s also a sense of propulsion in that series that serves it well and which is sadly lacking here.

The biggest problem I have with this book is how distant and flat it reads. The writing is extremely clunky and there were few places where I thought the lines were well-written and suited to whatever emotion was trying to be conveyed. But a big part of the problem was that there’s a lot of telling and not enough showing. Scenes fly by, but we don’t linger long enough in pivotal moments (only occasionally does this happen). Likewise, the dialogue is consistently expository and not unique to the characters—most of them sound the same, and reading big passages of text where someone is talking about the world (more on that later) and their feelings (show me! don’t tell me!) is not fun. It doesn’t take long before they all begin to sound a little robotic.

And on that note: the characters…well, there isn’t much to them. I caught glimpses of what could have been, and I didn’t necessarily dislike any of them, but I also felt very little attachment (tbh, Niamh and Domhnall might be the most interesting of the bunch, but that’s just me). I think without Legally Blonde in the back of my mind, I would have even less understanding of these characters.

As for the world, there’s too much for one book that (imo) seems to be having an identity crisis. Is this a YA medieval-style rom com? Is this an adult epic fantasy? Well, it’s a bit of both, which is the crux of the problem. Though I believe the publisher is marketing this as adult, it most definitely reads as YA. However, I’ve seen reviews which claim the author wrote it as YA, so I’m not holding that against them—but I wish the publisher would read the room. (This is one of my biggest bookish pet peeves.) Beyond that, I’m someone who reads a decent amount of fantasy and I had trouble following the world-building and mythology here. (I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this was originally conceived as a series. I’m still not totally sure if it’s a standalone or not.)

I don’t go into books wanting to dislike them (and I didn’t dislike everything!), but this would benefit SO MUCH from a developmental edit because it’s just plain overstuffed. Passages could be cut, the plot reworked to simplify some aspects and expand others. I might be in the minority, but it just reads like a first or second draft, and it feels like a disservice to the author not to be upfront about these issues before the book is out. (I’m not even gonna go into the grammatical mistakes since this is an ARC and hopefully they’ll be fixed.)

Thanks to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the ARC

The Princess Knight has an incredible pitch: take Legally Blonde and make it medieval. Going into this book, I was excited for a story of female empowerment, romance, and humorous friendship — and while there are whispers of each of these things, I found the story to fall short of its promise.

The world building is very generic/undeveloped, essentially coming out to the “gossips say war is on the horizon and we need alliances!” I wish there was more color to each individual nation’s motivations/wants.

The romance had a lot of potential: the princess joins a military school to get back with her ex, but falls for his friend instead. They fall into attraction pretty swiftly, and there isn’t much tension preventing them from getting together after that.

A cool idea, but I found the execution underwhelming.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I loved "The Princess Knight", but it was definitely not what I expected. This is geared towards adults, but the characters felt more YA than I tend to like. Once I got over that, it was a great ride.

This is a medieval legally blonde dupe but I think it does it well. I liked the characters and the story - there is a great flow from beginning to end. There is no cliff hanger, but I'd be excited to come back to this world.

Rated 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC ebook.

The comparisons to Legally Blonde are what got this book in the end I think. While all characters were complex and interesting to read, unfortunately Clia came off as the least interesting. The whole time I was waiting for that Elle Woods sparkle and fun when she became ultra serious through the book. While that makes sense given the circumstances, citing Legally Blonde gave expectations that may not have been able to be met given the fantasy setting. Beautiful cover and well written tho!

A stunning YA debut filled with magic, witty banter, and a richly imagined setting. I adored the main characters and their journey of growth.

I raced through this book, which was loaded with delightful characters and compelling plot lines. It was a delightful read. I really enjoyed seeing the character's growth and handling my stupefaction when faced with betrayals and a few developments. While this book is high stakes, it does not always read like it, leading to it being decently cozy at times but keeping you invested and worried for the characters. The cover is absolutely enchanting. It draws your attention instantly, and inside, you find a delightful read that matches it. This was a fantastic read and an incredible debut novel, and I would definitely read a sequel.
I look forward to seeing what Cait Jacobs creates next.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Voyage, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ladies and gentlemen of the reading jury,

What we have here is not just a story about a girl chasing a boy to war school. Oh no don’t be fooled by the pink cover or the pretty dresses. This is a full-blown, high-octane, heart-thumping journey of transformation, ambition, and empowerment.

At first glance, you might think it’s your average rom-com set against a military academy backdrop. Girl sees thinks boy will propose. Instead Boy runs to war school. Girl follows boy. We've heard that before, right? But here’s where this book does the unexpected: she doesn’t just find the boy… she finds herself.

This heroine is not one to be dismissed as just a pretty face. She is like a Phoenix and rises through tactical drills, emotional breakdowns, and surprise betrayal (plot twist alert!) to prove she’s so much more. She’s not just a student or a soldier. She. Is. A. Leader. She commands the page and your heart.

The pacing is just right with twists sprinkled through like a surprise pop quiz. and just when you think you’ve caught your breath, another revelation drops.

And the ending? Oh, honey—it’s a HEA (Happily Ever After) so satisfying you’ll want to slow clap your way through the final chapter. Whether it stands alone or sets the stage for a fierce new series, this book demands a place on your shelf.

So in conclusion, your honor,
This isn’t just a romance. It’s a testimony to growth, grit, and girl power in a sparkly dress. It’s Legally Blonde meets West Point with extra sass.

Verdict: Well worth the read. Snaps for the author!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

First off I want to say Legally Blonde is one of my favorite movies ever. I’m also super in ‘medieval’ knights and princesses all of that so as soon as I saw this was being published I had to request it.

The main character, Clía, follows Domhnall the Prince who she thought she was going to marry to a military academy after he backs out of his proposal and tells her she isn’t strong enough to be his Queen. From there on we see her do what she was told would never happen and starts getting help with her training. The story doesn’t end the way she planned for it to but it ends up being the right thing for her.

I did really like the characters even though I got annoyed by one almost every time he opened his mouth for a while there. I personally feel like the story wrapped up nicely even tho I would love a holiday novella with all the characters.

Definitely would recommend this to my friends who also like the movie it was inspired by.

This story started off pretty strong for me. I really liked Clia and her stubborn determination. One of my favorite types of characters are the ones who are completely out of their depth and have no business being where they are but they never let it stop them. I always have so much fun reading stories like that. About halfway through, the story did start to slow down a bit, but I never lost interest. The ending was wrapped up well and I really liked the element of Rioghain’s Jewel. I will say I wish there was more to the pronunciation guide at the beginning as every time I stumbled across a new name I didn’t know how to pronounce it took me out of the story while I tried to figure it out. Is Kordislaen pronounced kor-de-layn? I couldn’t tell you, but that’s how I read it. Overall, I thought this was a fun romantasy with a great girl power message. Would recommend!

***3.5 stars***
Thank you for this eARC!

I really had zero expectations going into this book- I read the blurb and requested it- but it was pretty underwhelming.
I did like the writing style (despite it being third person which I generally dislike), but the plot and characters fell a bit flat for me.
I liked the romance- but that's really all this book was- a romance book with a fantasy mask on. It really felt like a lot of fancy fantasy words were thrown in for places and people/labels to make it feel more fantasy when in reality it just wasn't.
I felt the story dragging a lot, especially in the beginning, where I just wanted something anything to happen.
I would recommend this book to people who prefer romance and/or don't normally read fantasy- but for me, I wanted more.

I first heard of this book described as "Legally Blonde, but medieval", and I think the description is accurate. That being said, I think the descriptor almost worked to the detriment of the story, as I spent most of the time reading this comparing it to the story and characters in Legally Blonde itself. That being said, I think the author did a good job in giving every character an interesting motivation and background. I just wish there had been more of it, overall. I also thought the plot was well done, and wrapped up well, and left me satisfied overall in the end.

This book just didn’t work for me in a lot of different ways.

I was uninterested in any of the characters and their relationships with eachother seemed forced to try and create a found family trope that just fell flat. The betrayals in this book were unsurprising and you could tell who the bad guys were from the beginning. I wish the author went more into the lore of the gods and otherworldly creatures, it would have made the plot more interesting and different from other romantasy books. I could go on but i was just really underwhelmed by this debut.

First, I want to sincerely thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. I always appreciate being approved, and I truly admire the creativity and effort that goes into writing any book.

That said, I unfortunately had to DNF this one at 44%. While the concept had a lot of potential and the tone was clearly meant to be fun and empowering, the execution just didn’t quite work for me. The story leaned heavily into a “Legally Blonde meets medieval fantasy” vibe—but for me, it felt more like a modern parody than a fresh take on the trope.

The dialogue and character choices felt overly cheesy at times, which made it difficult for me to stay immersed in the world. I love a good rom-com or light fantasy, but I struggled to connect with the main character and found myself wishing for more depth or originality as the plot progressed.

Of course, every reader is different, and this book may be a great fit for someone looking for a light, quirky fantasy with a bit of girl-power flair. It just wasn’t the right match for me personally.

"After you murder me in cold blood, would you mind pretending I said something wise and serene when facing death?"


Domhnall and Clía are an ideal match—or so everyone says. They are prince and princess of neighboring kingdoms. An alliance the gods will smile on. Until Domhnall ruins everything by refusing to propose because he needs a warrior queen, not just one "with a pretty face." Heartbroken but determined, Clía makes the perfect plan: Follow Domhnall to Caisleán Cósta, the military academy he’s attending. Show she can protect her kingdom. Secure the betrothal.

Warrior Ronan promised himself he’d never lose his focus. He fought and sacrificed for his place at Caisleán Cósta, and he has no time for blonde princesses who waltz intro arenas like they’re attending a ball. He doesn’t want to be intrigued by Clía. But her hunger to prove herself is something he understands. He tells himself there’s no harm training her. Even if his heart does race around her. Even if Domhnall is his best friend.

But as they say, love is a battlefield—and unfortunately for them all, a very real war is looming on the horizon. It’s a fight that will threaten all their kingdoms…and test all their hearts.

Admiration was a jewel rarer than any diamond, and a weapon sharper than any sword.


DNF @ 45% then skimmed to 55%.

I really, really wanted to love this. This had the perfect recipe: underdog woman showing the men that undervalue her what she's really made of. Shows everybody how BA she is. Gets the guy she deserves rather than the one she thought she wanted.

Alas, while it has a good idea the execution is a little...less thought out. The military academy isn't just a standard military academy that teaches you tactics and how to wield a sword. No, this is the elite military academy with very select admittance and sends at least three-quarters of their attendees home each year. Yet...at the first bout she drops her sword, makes a disgrace of herself, and isn't sent home because she's wasting everyone's time? In fact, the unyielding master of the academy hints to his top pupil that he should train the girl on the side so she isn't as useless? And Ronan, who has worked FOREVER to get to this academy, isn't even mad that he's regulated to babysitter instead of sharpening his already formidable skills?

And let's not forget about Domhnall, the entire reason she's here in the first place. He's so wishy-washy this whole premise makes me grimace because he is HARDLY worth the effort, especially when he tries subtly sabotaging her efforts.

I was finished when she's given the title of elite warrior. A title handed out to VERY FEW PEOPLE and she still sucks at sword fighting. Nope.

Sorry, this one is a miss.

Major thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was SO FUN! I really loved this story.
My only complaints are the ending seemed a tad rushed, and I didn’t like the slight rift between Clía and Ronan because Kordislaen told her Ronan didn’t relay any information regarding her. I also the reason behind Ronan’s chronic pain had been explored.

(Rated 4.75 out of 5 stars)

I’ve heard about this book, and I was so excited when I got accepted for an ARC- and it did NOT disappoint. The writing style was great, especially for a fantasy, and the dialogue never really felt forced or cheesy. The characters all seem to have their own unique personalities. And the romance is good, but doesn’t take away from the overall story. There were a couple things that were a little predictable, however it kind of played out like the author wanted you to expect it anyway. I think it opens an opportunity for really good plot twists in the sequel (I’m assuming there’s going to be one, because that’s how it’s set up). I’d highly recommend this one.

*4.5 stars*

I loooooved this. It was a bit hard to get into but once I did I didn’t want it to end. I honestly don’t know what the reviews are talking about. The growing relationship between Clia and Ronan was perfect. We always love some good training scenes. I hope to see more of these characters!

Thank you to NetGalley, publishers, and Cait Jacobs for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cute read with some exciting twists I was truly surprised on, but it fell a little flat at times. Toward the end, it's a happy end, but the author seemed to forget the town Ronan comes from and what to do about it's fate? And we never get exposed to a delicious confrontation with Clia's parents after her huge amount of character growth from staying at the training facility. Just a tidy epilogue after the fact. Otherwise, I did enjoy it and the cover it pretty with an interesting storyline I did like.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager Publishers for the e-ARC. I was really anticipating this book with the comparison of legally blonde and I was expecting comedy – which I didn’t find much of. I found it to be more serious and heavier on the political side. I loved that there was a lot of LGBTQ representation. And there was plenty of inspiration of Celtic origin, which let me know this author did their research. I found this to be easy to read, fast paced and YA age range. I found Clia’s journey of self-discovery and growth to be the primary focus of this story line. There is no spice, very clean for a YA audience. Overall it was wholesome and cozy. 3/5