The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre
Gail Carson Levine rekindled the magic that was started in The Two Princesses of Bamarre and drew readers back into Bamarre with a prequel that explains how the people of Bamarre returned to the country they had to flee due to the magical creatures that continued to terrorize the land.
The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre is told through the eyes of Princess Peregrine, the adopted daughter of Lord Tove and Lady Klausine. Peregrine is raised as a Latki – a country that values strength and rules over the Bamarre refugees who fled their homeland many years ago. Under the thumb of the Latki, the Bamarre are seen as weak servants. Peregine does not consider the Bamarre people as anything more than that until she learns her true heritage.
The fairy Halina reveals to Peregrine that she is a Bamarre and it is up to her to heal her broken country and set her people free. With this huge task weighing on her, Peregrine is comes to learn that stereotypes and prejudices do not dictate who a person truly is on the inside.
This prequel to Levine’s previous book was as good, if not better, than the first. Through this story, we learn the origin on the magical tablecloth and boots that were used in The Two Princesses of Bamarre. Levine also explains the origins of the hero Drualt. He is Peregrine’s little brother and together, along with their older sister Annet and their parents, they work alongside other Bamarre servants to gain their freedom. I was glad to see these unanswered questions addressed in this book.
One of the most interesting relationships in this book was between Peregrine and her adopted mother Lady Klausine. For the most part, it was quite strained. Peregrine desperately wanted to please her stern mother, but it seemed to her that whatever she did, Klausine wasn’t satisfied. But despite these feelings, Peregrine learned how much her mother truly loved her. Although Klausine hid Peregrine’s identity from her husband for years, when Tove learned of it, she continued to protect Peregrine, even after Peregrine escaped the Latki. Peregrine learned that, although Klausine didn’t express her love for Peregrine in the way Peregrine expected her to, it was still there. That bond was written well and I think many mothers and daughters will see the parallel between Klausine and Peregrine and themselves.
This fantastical prequel is perfect for those who were left wondering at the end of The Two Princesses of Bamarre. Levine did not disappoint fans of the first book in this series.
The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre Rating: ★★★
The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre is told through the eyes of Princess Peregrine, the adopted daughter of Lord Tove and Lady Klausine. Peregrine is raised as a Latki – a country that values strength and rules over the Bamarre refugees who fled their homeland many years ago. Under the thumb of the Latki, the Bamarre are seen as weak servants. Peregine does not consider the Bamarre people as anything more than that until she learns her true heritage.
The fairy Halina reveals to Peregrine that she is a Bamarre and it is up to her to heal her broken country and set her people free. With this huge task weighing on her, Peregrine is comes to learn that stereotypes and prejudices do not dictate who a person truly is on the inside.
This prequel to Levine’s previous book was as good, if not better, than the first. Through this story, we learn the origin on the magical tablecloth and boots that were used in The Two Princesses of Bamarre. Levine also explains the origins of the hero Drualt. He is Peregrine’s little brother and together, along with their older sister Annet and their parents, they work alongside other Bamarre servants to gain their freedom. I was glad to see these unanswered questions addressed in this book.
One of the most interesting relationships in this book was between Peregrine and her adopted mother Lady Klausine. For the most part, it was quite strained. Peregrine desperately wanted to please her stern mother, but it seemed to her that whatever she did, Klausine wasn’t satisfied. But despite these feelings, Peregrine learned how much her mother truly loved her. Although Klausine hid Peregrine’s identity from her husband for years, when Tove learned of it, she continued to protect Peregrine, even after Peregrine escaped the Latki. Peregrine learned that, although Klausine didn’t express her love for Peregrine in the way Peregrine expected her to, it was still there. That bond was written well and I think many mothers and daughters will see the parallel between Klausine and Peregrine and themselves.
This fantastical prequel is perfect for those who were left wondering at the end of The Two Princesses of Bamarre. Levine did not disappoint fans of the first book in this series.
The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre Rating: ★★★