Palace of Stone

Reviews

“Readers of Hale’s Newbery Honor–winning Princess Academy will welcome this reunion with Miri and her schoolmates…This is a fine follow-up to a novel that already felt complete.”

“[In] this sequel…Hale has written a worthy and complex continuation of Miri’s story, and her strong and vibrant character will be familiar and welcome to readers of the first book, despite the length between publications. A literary and engaging coming-of-age story, the elements of class tension, home, family, friendship, and self-discovery ring true…This is an essential purchase for school and public libraries.”

“This sequel to The Princess Academy finds a more mature Miri facing more difficult and not always black-and-white decisions. It is clear that the path to social justice is not smooth and that true change evolves over time. The sights, sounds, and smells of the city, the royal court, and faraway Mount Eskel are vividly created. This is a worthy sequel that will be eagerly greeted by loyal fans.”

“The rebellion plotline acts as a primer on why change and social improvement are so difficult and how resorting to violence can backfire…In Palace of Stone [Miri] proves once again that, with quick wits and brave words, one person really can change the world.”

“Miri leaves her mountain of linder stone for another year of study and finds ethics and rhetoric to be powerful tools in the making of a revolution…The politics echo the French Revolution (Hale notes this in the acknowledgments), but Miri’s clear voice keeps the story hers and her people’s. There’s lovely texture to clothing and architectural descriptions and vivid warmth to Miri’s friendships, her longing for home, and her thirst to learn more and more. Not one but two boys help her find all the feelings kisses can engender. Miri’s story comes to a satisfying end; readers who have been waiting since 2005 will find their patience well rewarded.”

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