Review: The Princess Knight

The latest ARC I received from NetGalley was The Princess Knight by Cait Jacobs. This book has a generic-sounding title, which made me expect something along the lines of the overdone warrior princess trope. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it actually had a feminine protagonist who wasn't much of a fighter. The book is actually a stealth medieval retelling of Legally Blonde, particularly the Broadway version. Being a huge fan of the musical, I had a lot of fun catching the many references to it peppered throughout the book. For marketing purposes, I do wish the title made it more obvious that this is a retelling because I think that would help widen its reader appeal. I'm not sure exactly what it should be called to do that, though. Royally Blonde? Legally Knighted? Legally Princess?

Princess Clia is in an arranged marriage with Prince Domhnall to forge an alliance between their kingdoms. She is blindsided when Domhnall unexpectedly breaks off the engagement for someone who would be a more "serious" leader. In a valiant attempt to prove she has what it takes to lead, Clia follows Domhnall to a prestigious military academy where she trains in the art of warfare on her own terms, fancy dresses and all. During her attendance, she grows closer to Ronan, one of Domhnall's knights, who feels awful about how his friend snubbed her. He helps her with her training and looks out for her during the trials and tribulations she faces at the school.

This book is so similar to Legally Blonde that fans of the movie or play can easily predict everything that happens in it, which might be a drawback for readers who enjoy plot twists. Some scenes felt like they were taken directly from the stage show. Every character has an equivalent in this book, which makes it easy to know what to expect from them. One of my favorite characters was Niamh, the "Vivienne" equivalent. As Domhnall's new fiancée, she sees Clia as a threat at first, but later comes to respect her as a peer and realizes that Domhnall may not have been as great as she initially thought. Clia has a handmaiden who takes on the same role as Paulette whom I liked as well.

Since this is a war story, there is quite a bit of action and violence in it, especially toward the end, which is not ideal for fans of the traditionally safe narrative of Legally Blonde. The war element gives it some semblance to Mulan, but without the crossdressing. In fact, Clia is a refreshingly feminine character who finds ways to use her femininity to her advantage in battle. This makes The Princess Knight stand apart from the myriad of other stories about tough-as-nails battling princesses from the last few decades. In a refreshing throwback to older feminist media, Clia must work hard and leave her comfort zone to become a great leader rather than being naturally gifted.

The Princess Knight is an uplifting and clever retelling of Legally Blonde, transporting the beloved story to a medieval setting with a refreshingly feminine protagonist. Cait Jacobs' writing is engaging and fun, with nods to the original musical that fans will appreciate. While the story follows the same beats as the original, the addition of a war storyline adds a new layer of depth and action. Clia's journey from pampered princess to capable leader is inspiring, and her femininity is portrayed as a strength rather than a weakness. Overall, this book is a great fit for fans of fairy tale retellings, strong female protagonists, and a dash of humor and romance. If you're looking for a fun and lighthearted read with a medieval twist, The Princess Knight is definitely worth checking out.