Book Review: The Rescuers

The Rescuers by Cecelia Maria Hilliard

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Strangers humiliating the king... a dangerous love triangle... and a whirlwind of secrets... will this year's feast end in tragedy?

The yearly feast is being held in King Clarence's castle this time around, but a gathering of strangers aren't happy with it.  This hooded group known only as The Rescuers is determined to convert the king from cruel to kind.  Meanwhile, Prince Derrick tries to win over Princess Victoria; Victoria has caught the eye of King Clarence; and the king is sought after by Victoria's sister Jalean.  As the secrets of the cast are slowly discovered, sword fights and magic-filled battles determine the fate of all involved.

As usual with most self-published titles, this book could use some professional editing.  Typos, misplaced punctuation, awkward wording, and the like were a bit of an eyesore.  The dialogue and behavior of the royals left me confused as to whether this was supposed to be a modern-day or medieval tale.  However, the story was very unique and well thought out.  I enjoyed the unexpected twists and the occasional use of humor and irony.

One thing I especially liked about this book was the author.  In fact, that was the whole reason I chose this book.  Cecelia Hilliard was only a junior in high school when she published this in 2001.  Even when it could use some serious editing, self-publishing your first novel in high school is impressive in my eyes.

I give this book three stars for the storyline and for the guts and hard work (and money, in this case) it took a high schooler to follow a writer's dream.

I received this book for free through the Dorrance Book Review Team in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.