It didn't grip me nearly as much as the first Princess Academy, but for being a children's book it dove into some pretty deep concepts like revolution and politics. I felt it was a compelling sequel to the first and quite the undertaking to create a commentary on political ruling that would be comprehensible to preteens.

After reading and enjoying the first book, “Princess Academy”, I was sure I wanted to read the second. Like the first book, this book has satisfied my hunger for a mix of fantasy, action, and romance - I haven't felt so engaged in a book in a long time. Palace of Stone is about how after Miri’s friend, Britta, goes to Asland to be married to Prince Steffan, Miri, Peder and the other girls of the academy went to visit for a year. While Miri is at Asland, she attends school at Queen’s Castle, and learns subjects she hasn’t even heard of: Rhetorics, Ethics, Mathematics, Science, and more. But there is more drama than expected. The commoners want to start revolution, and several attempts are made to kill the “Robber Princess”. Miri supports the ideas of the revolution, but is torn between her new friends’ ideas, and her best friend, Britta. Not only that, Miri must decide between an old love- and a new crush. In her tangled up world, can Miri find her way out, and stop a revolution on the way? I love the dramatic scene of when the assassin is trying to kill Britta, but everyone else is getting in the assassin’s way. I especially like the first part, when he did shoot at Britta, but Miri jumped in the way, and then Peder jumped in the way. It’s a drama-filled mix of action and romance. Then, Miri quarry-speaks and the whole room comes tumbling down. The ability to pull off that kind of story and not sound a bit... off, is admirable. The whole concept of quarry-speaking would sound crazy unless you pulled it off correctly. But Hale did it! What I don’t really like is how there are so many different characters and conflicts happening all at once. This makes the book a little confusing, but it’s also one of the things that makes it’s story so meaningful and complex (in a good way). I love how the queen gets to stand up to her husband, and not always hide in the shadows. Overall, this book is great for 5-6th grades and higher, depending on reading level. If you are able to understand more difficult concepts, and enjoy action mixed with romance, then this is the book for you!

I did like this book, but I had waited over five years to read it, and by the time I did, I was too old to truly enjoy the sequel to one of my most favorite childhood books.

Spoilers: I was so happy when I saw a sequel to Princess Academy, that I went and found it on my Library's Overdrive (e-books), & I fell in love with it. I must say I was worried about Timon... I didn't want her to be with him, and I'm glad in the end she chose Peder instead. All in all, it's a cute little book to read.

This book though... I have so many things to say about this novel that I haven't the foggiest idea where to begin. One of my favorite aspects of this book was watching Miri grow and transform into a gorgeous and talented young woman. I love being able to noticeably track her growth and see how wonderfully developed she becomes throughout the tale. I love how chaotic it was as well, and I don't mean it in a bad way. Miri faced so many dilemmas it was nearly impossible for her to come up with a suitable solution that would not harm or betray someone she loved. But that is what I love about it because that is real life. There is no right or wrong, good or bad. There is no clear answer. Miri was tempted by so many things during her stay in Asland. A dashing new boy, the promise of change- of endless knowledge. She was suddenly a noble, of all things! Throughout all of these transformations and outside influences, Miri is left to decide where her loyalties lie- with the soon to be queen and her good friend Britta or with the starving shoeless people which include, or will soon include, her family and her province. Which side will she choose? Will she pick the new city boy over Peder, or the shoeless over her friend Britta? In this remarkable tale, Miri is forced to challenge her heart in such a way that she has never had to before, and in doing so, she just might find out what greatness she is truly capable of.

Not quite as enjoyable as the first one, Miri was a bit of a dummy at some parts, but all in all a good book.

Loved this continuation of Princess Academy!!