Although this isn't my favorite book of the series, it is still well-worth the read. ( )

“Only when I’d let go of my selfish ambitions and been willing to embrace His greater plans, had I found true contentment.”

The Lost Princesses series just keeps getting better. And each princess’ journey is unique as are the princesses themselves and their heroes. The series should be read in order though. The prequel sets the stage well and each consecutive book spurs the overarching theme and plot forward with intricate details, beautifully crafted characters, and plenty of action and suspense. Jody Hedlund is a master storyteller and her gift in weaving YA medieval fairytales is a true gem to behold. If you enjoy medieval fairytales, you will absolutely love this book and the entire series!

This book focuses on Maribel, the older of the twins, who has been raised by nuns and aspires to be a nun-physician (healer). She’s stubborn like her older sister Constance Adalaide but is also impulsive, more tender-hearted, and compassionate. Edmund is an orphan of noble blood who has grown up with Maribel in the convent and has always loved her. Taught to be an animal trainer and a soldier, he’s the perfect guardian for Maribel with his intelligence, patience, and undying devotion but is a very different kind of hero, certainly different from Lance and Christopher whom we’ve met from the previous books. In the midst of trying to locate the clues to King Solomon’s treasure, they battle monsters, a confusing and deadly underground labyrinth, men sent by the evil king, and a terrible disease even as they battle their feelings for each other. It’s a fast-paced adventure ride a bit reminiscent of an Indiana Jones movie, filled with wonder, excitement, anticipation, innocent first love, and firmly grounded faith. I can’t wait to meet Emmeline in the next book, for it promises a very interesting twist to a main theme running throughout the series!

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. ( )

Although Foremost is classified as young adult fiction, it would be a treat no matter your age. The action begins on the first page and leaves you craving the next chapter until the end. I loved the adventure. The danger. The romance. This book is a complete package!
Maribel was sweet and determined. I loved her sense of adventure and her gift of healing. It was interesting to follow her into the apothecary as she mixed her tonics and medicines. You could almost smell all the herbs as she crushed them with the mortar and pestle. I will admit, I might have wanted to shake some sense into her when it came to Edmund a time or two. (The poor man has the patience of a saint.) But it was a joy to see such a young woman with big aspirations mature and grow more comfortable in God’s will.
Edmund’s love and devotion for Maribel just make you want to sigh with admiration. I love how deeply he knew Maribel and her hopes and dreams, and how unwilling he was to stifle even a single piece of her spirit. I also enjoyed watching him on his journey--how he started with doubting his ability to do what was needed to keep them safe but found he was much stronger (both mentally and physically) than he ever imagined.
Overall, I adored Maribel and Edmund’s story. Their love was not a rushed event or hinged on physical attraction. It was built little by little over a lifetime of being side by side as friends, and it was beautiful to watch as it grew into such a powerful force.
Each story in this series has been amazing, and I can’t wait to read the conclusion in the next novel, although I will be sad to see it end! ( )