Foremost by Jody Hedlund

Foremost by Jody Hedlund is the second full-length novel in The Lost Princesses series and it is action-packed young adult fiction for all ages!

about the book

Foremost by Jody Hedlund

A second princess. Another key to the treasure. And a cruel king desperate to squelch the growing rebellion.

Raised in an isolated abbey, Lady Maribel desires nothing more than to become a nun and continue practicing her healing arts. She’s carefree and happy with her life…until a visitor comes to the abbey and reveals her true identity as one of the lost princesses.

When he was a young boy, Edmund Chambers helplessly watched King Ethelwulf murder his family. Edmund escaped and has lived in the abbey ever since, uniquely trained to work with wild animals. Secretly, he loves Maribel and desperately hopes she doesn’t complete her holy order vows.

When King Ethelwulf’s army arrives at the abbey to capture Maribel, she flees with Edmund across the desolate Highlands in an attempt to reach Adelaide’s rebel army. Edmund can no longer hide his love, but can Maribel give up her dreams of becoming a nun to love him in return?

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my thoughts

This epic tale of three hidden princesses (and the fellas who love them) continues with action, exploration, and fantastical creatures. Themes of seeking, introspection, and faith make Foremost in particular an excellent fit for the young adult audience (and nostalgic young-at-heart readers as well)!

Although the mama bear in me growled and fussed at the main characters for their failure to follow specific instructions, I’m well acquainted with the notoriously poor judgment of young people (from experience and observation). Rather than becoming annoyed with the hero and especially the heroine for this troublesome habit, I found myself sincerely blessing their hearts and cheering them on in their journey. Like many of us, they eventually learn and mature through their experiences.

Although I’m not usually a fan of fantasy, I enjoyed the inclusion of a few mythical creatures and found one character’s ability to communicate with animals to be a fascinating and entertaining concept. I am eagerly anticipating the conclusion of The Lost Princesses series and wholeheartedly rooting for the rightful heirs of Mercia!