Rogue Princess

In this futuristic Cinderella reimagining, a princess and a palace servant join forces to uncover the rebel conspiracy threatening their resource-strapped world. For the good of planet Astor, Princess Delia must choose between numerous suitors, though she wishes she could marry for love. Meanwhile, Aidan’s goal is to make the money needed to leave his neglectful, abusive family and start fresh on a distant colony. When the two cross paths and discover evidence of a planned coup, they vow to thwart it. Delia thinks Aidan is an undercover royal bodyguard, and he’d rather she not learn that he’s a common thief. As they get closer to uncovering the truth behind the conspiracy, a long-hidden secret may tear them apart. While this novel hits all the familiar beats of its fairy tale inspiration, Myers (Girl on the Run) introduces new elements with her interstellar setting and political intrigue. The slow-burning relationship between Aidan and Delia plays well against the high stakes and late revelations, though some aspects of the worldbuilding and narrative don’t hold up under further scrutiny. An enjoyable interpretation of an old favorite. Ages 13–up. [em](Jan.) [/em]