The Decoy Princess

Princess, Book 1

By: Dawn Cook - as Kim Harrison

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

The Princess Contessa of Constenopolie has just learned of her true identity - that of an orphan adopted and raised as a decoy to protect the real princess. But that doesn't make Contessa less of a royal target.

©2005 Dawn Cook (P)2014 Audible Inc.

I knew I would like this book!

This is a highly original story with a different take on the usual princess thing. Great writing, and tight plotting.

Tess has been raised as the princess of Constenopolie. Although she has suffered from a prophecy that predicts possible dire consequences for the wrong person who might try to marry her (causing frequent attempts on her life for some reason), she has had a fairly easy and happy life so far. She has been primarily guarded and trained by the kingdom’s chancellor, Cavinlo. She thinks her primary skill is shopping, but Cavinlo has taught her many other things too.

There has been a project to have her married going on. When her future intended shows up at her parents’ palace months early, Tess tries to get in to have a look at him even though she is not supposed to. When she is discovered, it sets in motion a bad set of events during which her parents first tell her she is not, in fact, their daughter the princess and then Prince Garrett kills them and attempts to imprison her to marry her right away. This is all to fulfill some sort of scheme of his own to seize power and do it early. He rapidly reveals himself to be a psycho, and Tess needs to get out fast.

The rest of the story is of Tess’s adventures as she seeks to reunite with Cavinlo, who has been sent to retrieve the real princess, and then return to reclaim the palace and get rid of the horrible Prince Garrett.

I agree that I didn’t think too much about the narrator while I was listening to the book, so she must have done a good job.

Harrison name...but just not the same.

I grabbed this because Kim Harrison is the author and I loved her Hollows series. Unfortunately, this book did not stand out for me. It is a fantasy novel I have read a thousand times. Tess had too much weakness and was just not a character I could enjoy. It was a romance novel set in a fantasy setting with a predictable outcome. Nothing makes this story stand out for me. I love Harrison, but I doubt I will continue to follow this series. There is always hopes for whatever she has next.

The narration saves it for me and was likely the reason I listened to the entire story. Gavin is great as always.

great book awesome story!!!!

The cover of the book makes you think it's a teen book but it isn't, one of the best books I've listened to in awhile..loved it!!! I already listened to the second book and it was even better. I can't watt till the third book in the series!!!!

Kim Harrison fans

I was thrilled to see there were other books to read by Kim Harrison, especially after i finished the Rachel Morgan series. I needed something to fill the ache of saying goodbye to Rachel, one of my favorite literary heroes. Tess reminds me of Rachel in some ways, without being the same person. I didn't fall quite as in love with Tess or her world, but it was a good trip to take while I wait for the next project from Kim Harrison.

excellent book

this is a excellent book. I can't wait to get the next one in the series so I could know what's going to happen next. Hope you'll be reading it too