The Princess and the Bear by Mette Ivie Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great parallel novel for The Princess and the Hound. It has been awhile since I read the first one, but this is really a self-contained novel so it did not matter. I was able to pick up on everything easily because of how clear and descriptive Mette is in her descriptions.
The basic plot is that a prince was turned into a bear as punishment for his deeds. Then a hound is turned into a princess and then a hound again (yeah, a little confusing, but it makes sense in the novel). They are sent back in time – in their human forms – to try to save the prince’s kingdom from a terrible evil magic that threatens everyone, and to save the kingdom from invaders and distrust of all magic.
It is a love story with two strong protagonists, which is where Mette truly shines in her writing.
It was a joy to read. I look forward to reading the next in this story universe (The Princess and the Snowbird).