Synopsis:
Quick-witted and confident, Princess Laetitia of Avaritia always gets what she wants—until her 17th nameday ball. The King and Queen, believing marriage will rein in their daughter’s rebellious nature, surprise the Princess with not one, but four suitors: a philosopher, an astronomer, an artist and a necromancer.
If Laetitia can’t learn at least one suitor’s craft and prove herself to be a worthy wife, she will lose her crown—the one thing she cares about most. Laetitia irks her suitors as much as she can while learning as little as possible about them—and their so-called “crafts.”
But when she and Sir Blaxton resurrect one of the many peasants who have died recently from an unprecedented disease, the corpse’s cryptic words about his death set them on a race to find answers: What is the disease? How is it spreading so quickly? And why is it affecting only the peasants?
As Laetitia tries to find answers, she uncovers a web of corruption with a stranglehold on her kingdom. Like it or not, she’s going to need the help of all four of her suitors—even if they end up putting their own lives on the line.
My Review:
The Four Suitors focuses on Princess Laetitia, the unruly and temperamental only child of a floundering King and Queen. On her seventeenth birthday, she must marry. So, the King and Queen arrange for four suitors with specific specialties to come and work with Laetitia. The man who teachers her best wins her hand.
As Laetitia begrudgingly meets with her suitors, the kingdom is plagued with disease and death. Laetitia, with the help of her suitors, determines to find the cause of her beloved kingdom’s troubles. However, this proves difficult as they are met with conflict at every turn.
Can Laetitia and her suitors find out what is plaguing her kingdom? And which suitor will she end up with?
Laetitia is a BRAT for the majority of the book. She is a walking contradiction. Spoiled and obstinate, she also cares deeply for the people of her kingdom. She is proud and loyal but also vain and hurtful. She is strong and ahead of her time, but she is also short-tempered and impertinent.
I still don’t know if I like her or hate her.
I guess it’s a little bit of both.
She causes so many problems for herself and her people, and it took her a long time to learn empathy in many regards. However, as much as her mean-spirited actions and stubbornness drove me a little crazy, it made it all the more poignant when Laetitia begins to learn and mature. She is independent and wise, and she puts her kingdom ahead of herself. She becomes a clever and strong leader and potential partner.
Speaking of partners, let’s discuss the suitors. Each man is a master in a specific craft – astronomy, philosophy, art, and necromancy. These characters are vividly and deeply developed. From their backgrounds to their knowledge of their craft, the suitors are rich and dynamic. I love that each teaches Laeticia something different about herself and the world around her. They are the catalysts to her growth.
I also liked the supernatural elements of the story. Sir Braxton’s specialty is necromancy, and this part of the story is fascinating! Demons, spirits, and bodies rising from the dead all contribute to the fascinating plot and setting. Plus, Braxton and Laeticia have great chemistry, and his story is intriguing. His mysterious nature is also appealing and in contrast to the other suitors.
Team Braxton!
This is a fast-paced and intriguing coming-of-age story that contains dynamic characters and excellent messages about trust, friendship, loyalty, and life. Thanks so much to Book Sirens for providing me a copy of this book!
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- the suitors. They are unique and charming in their own ways.
- Letitia’s maturation. I like that she learned from her suitors and her experiences.
Recommendations:
Readers who enjoy young adult romance will enjoy the book. I also think people who like stories with elements of fantasy – demons, curses, and more – will like it!
