Review of The Princess Games (The Princess Trials, #2) by Genna Rulon
Hi there, fellow book lovers! Today, I’m diving into The Princess Games, the much-anticipated sequel to The Princess Trials by Genna Rulon. As someone who was swept away by the tantalizing tension and intriguing premise of the first book, I couldn’t wait to see how the saga continued. But oh boy, what a rollercoaster of emotions this sequel was!
Right off the bat, I thought I’d be gifted with a thrilling continuation of the explosive events that left us gasping at the end of the last book. Rulon starts strong with a solid 8/10 opening, but as the story unfolds, it becomes a frustrating experience that reminds me of trying to remember all the details from a chaotic dream. The pacing loses steam, and I found myself doing a bit of skimming, desperately trying to reconnect with characters and plots that became oddly forgettable after a few chapters.
The story quickly picks up with our protagonist, Zea, embroiled in a scandalous trial, accused of a murder that is more of an absurd twist than a gripping plot point. This narrative structure felt rushed and almost unoriginal. While Rulon aims for a Hunger Games vibe, it often feels like an echo rather than a fresh offering. Pieces of the plot, like the scavenger hunt, had moments of potential but fell flat, bogged down by predictable character arcs and overt clichés.
Speaking of characters, let’s talk about Zea and the establishment of new figures like Lotte, who stands out with her intelligence and resourcefulness. However, the contrast in character development was jarring—the darker-skinned characters came across as cold and violent, which left me questioning why this narrative choice was made. Add in the manipulative interactions Zea endures, and we find ourselves grappling with uncomfortable themes that don’t sit right.
On a more technical note, Rulon’s writing style is frequently over-the-top, veering toward melodrama, especially with the portrayals of villains who are far from nuanced. Their “mustache-twirling evil” left me rolling my eyes at times. I also noted the somewhat clunky attempts at delivering moral messages, which sometimes felt more preachy than poignant.
There were moments, however, that did resonate with me. I appreciated Rulon’s careful handling of Zea’s trauma in a way that didn’t drown the narrative in guilt-tripping. But those small victories couldn’t offset the overwhelming frustration I felt throughout the latter half of the book. To me, it’s clear that this may not have been the final draft, and I’m left with mixed feelings about the direction of the series.
I know many readers will find enjoyment in the twists and turns that The Princess Games offers—those who revel in dramatic YA tropes and love competing characters. If you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy and emotionally charged plots, this might still find a place on your shelf.
As for me, I’m left hoping for stronger character development and better pacing in the next installment. Will I read Book Three? Absolutely! Curiosity nudges me forward, and I remain hopeful that Rulon will tap into the strengths she so clearly possesses. Until next time, happy reading!
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