"Foremost" by Jody Hedlund

[reviewsbyerin]

Jody Hedlund's Lost Princess series continues with the story of Maribel, who was raised in an isolated convent alongside a few other orphaned children. Never knowing she was the daughter of the late King Francis, Maribel has trained in the art of an apothecary and loves using herbs to heal others. Because it is acceptable for nuns to practice medicine, Maribel is almost counting down the days until she is old enough to take vows and fulfill the dreams of her heart.

Edmund grew up alongside Maribel, and while she views him as brother, he certainly sees her as more than a sister. He would never ask her to give up her desire to become a nun, and he aches at having to hide his feelings. A skillful Fera Agmen, Edmund can communicate with most animals and call on them for help in various circumstances.

When an old nun stumbles to the abbey and tells Maribel of her true identity, she also tasks Edmund with transporting the young princess to the nearby country of Norland to meet her elder sister, the Crown Princess Adelaide, whom we met in Evermore. Plans quickly go awry and Edmund and Maribel are forced to rely on each other as they face an array of foes, both two-legged, four-legged, and even eight-legged. (Note: People with arachnophobia may wish to avoid this title!)

One of the highlights of this book is Edmund's Fera Agmen skill. I enjoyed reading about his interaction with the various kinds of animals. He and Maribel also have very strong character journeys.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fairy tales or medieval YA fiction. As long as they don't mind spiders. 😉

I received my copy of the book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.