The Secret Prince

August 1, 2011

Gr 7 Up-Henry Grim, 15, has returned to Knightley Academy, but life is not as it was last term. Tension has developed between him and one of his roommates and his friendship with the headmaster's daughter has become complex. As rumors of war with the Nordlands loom with continuing certainty, Henry starts a secret battle club with his former nemesis, Valmont. This leads to him and his roommate, Adam, impersonating servants on an envoy to the Nordlands, only to find themselves stuck in this unfriendly land when they miss the train back. In the end, Henry discovers that a real rebellion is brewing. He learns how his parents were killed and that he is destined for a much greater role than he ever imagined or wanted. He bears a strong resemblance to a certain other orphan named Harry. However, there are differences, such as the conflict between monarchy and dictatorship as well as the late-19th-century setting, not to mention that these students are training to be knights not wizards. Though some of the past events can be gleaned from this book, it's more enjoyable for those who have read Knightley Academy (S & S, 2010). The fast-moving plotline in this installment is wrapped up nicely, but enough is left hanging and the characters are interesting enough to make readers eagerly anticipate the next in the series.-Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

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