"The Winter Prince" was one of the very first YA books that I ever read -- it can't have been too long after it was published, and Elizabeth Wein was one of the first authors I ever got in contact with. I've been deeply vested in Medraut's story for a long time, and when I finally heard that there was going to be a sequel, I was elated. Although I was thrilled to see the progression of the story, I was a little disappointed in the voice of Goewin. It's not that I don't like the way she writes, but that it's a lot different from Medraut, which I should expect. Medraut has this intensity that drew me into the story, and somehow, I didn't get that from Goewin. As I was reading, I was "into" the story, but more detached. When Goewin realizes that it's her brother coming down the hill with Telemakos and as interaction with Medraut continues, it seemed so disconnected with how I saw his character, and I'm not sure why. ( )

Amazing and very unexpected. ( )

This book was marketed as YA, but I really didn't feel that it had that feel at all...
This is a short but complex historical fiction story that postulates that in the time of 6th-century Arthurian Britain, there was a political/trade connection between Britain and the kingdom of Aksum (modern-day Ethiopia). The British princess, Goewin, has had to flee her country due to political unrest and has travelled to Aksum in the company of the African ambassador, in order to meet with her British fiance, who is curently acting as regent in Aksum. However, her emotions do not match up with the course of action that may be most politically expedient....

Strong characterization and vivid cultural depictions make this book a stand-out. It also has a nice note at the end that puts it into context with "known" history - something I always like! ( )

Enormously interesting, and -- sometimes, and surprisingly -- incredibly moving. This is a very beautiful, delicate study of first love, which is also filled with political intrigue, adventure, lions, secret passages, twists, adventure, comedy, tragedy....and the most amazing characters.

I don't know how Elizabeth Wein can do everything she does in so few words -- and I also don't know how she can always make me cry.

I thought this was a great book -- it wouldn't be everybody's cup of tea (or coffee, as the case may be). But I loved it.

I think anybody who likes the books of [a:Megan Whalen Turner|22542|Megan Whalen Turner|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1241223424p2/22542.jpg], [a:Rosemary Sutcliff|26457|Rosemary Sutcliff|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1300512422p2/26457.jpg], or [a:Amanda McCrina|6216354|Amanda McCrina|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1350874139p2/6216354.jpg] would love this, too. ( )

This is the story of Goewyn who journeys from Arthurian Britain to Aksum. This takes Arthurian legend and gives it a neat twist. About time too.