Title: The Price Of Freedom
Author: Enyale Frost
Publisher: Enyale Frost
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
First Publication: 2021
Language: English
Book Summary: The Price Of Freedom by Enyale Frost
All Erin wants is to be free from her prison of a home, no matter the cost.
After twenty long years, she plots her daring escape from the castle, and tastes freedom for the first time. She journeys across the land with handsome stranger Karl of Cassia, whilst evading the efforts of her father, the King, to recapture her. But of course, to achieve total freedom, there are some things she must be willing to sacrifice…
There is no price too high to pay, is there?
Book Review: The Price Of Freedom by Enyale Frost
Feminists often denounce traditional fairy tales because they perpetuate the ideals of a patriarchal society by encouraging girls to behave like proper princesses and wait for charming princes to take charge and save the day. In response to these traditional fairy tales, many authors have tried to reclaim the realm of fairy tales for girls. These retellings feature active protagonists who are not scared of taking charge and do not need princes to save them. One example of this new fairy tale genre is The Price of Freedom by Enyale Frost, which takes an nontraditional approach to tell the story of a princess daring escape from the castle. The novel addresses several specific feminist issues, specifically negotiating and fighting the burden of obedience, the importance of friendships and, of course, learning to save yourself.
The story is set in an imaginary, medieval-esque kingdom called Avarice where Erin was locked up in a dungeon. A goblin delivering food to her is the only person who ever visits her in this dungeon. There is only one thing Erin wants, and that is to be free from her prison of a home. The princess finally escapes the castle after twenty long years, and tastes freedom for the first time.
Traveling with handsome stranger, Karl of Cassia, she evades her father’s attempts to recapture her. Outside the castle, she faces a dangerous world, but does not get discouraged or lose hope. Surrounded by dangerous people, she bravely deals with her troubles. Self-confident, resilient, and fast-thinking, she quickly learns how to take care of herself. At the heart of the story sits a father-daughter power struggle as a king seeks to impose his ruler’s will on rebellious princess. I was immediately enchanted by this sweet tale princess Erin.
Erin is a great heroine, smart and strong but not over-confident or perfect. She’s not defenceless damsel and she doesn’t whinge. Erin is looking for freedom and the ability to make her own choices. Feeling lonely and facing dangerous situations, she has doubts about the choices she has made. It gets her into some trouble but she learns her lesson and shows some growth toward the end. Surprisingly, in this vibrant story, princess Erin appears as a very contemporary character, reminding us of how a runaway girl would act today. Freethinking, strong, and courageous, she tries to change her fate.
In addition to creating immensely likable main characters, Enyale Frost creates a compelling world within the pages of “The Price of Freedom” vivid with details. The story is an immensely entertaining page-turner that will leave readers feeling satisfied when they reach the final scene where author ties everything together, artfully blending empowerment with a happy-ever-after ending fit for a traditional fairy tale.
The Price of Freedom was a heart-warming and charming story about growing up, making choices, dealing with the consequences of those choices, and love. The author brings you inside the mind of the terrified and young princess as she finagles a way out from under her father’s thumb and out on her own. But the freedom comes with a hefty price – one that she wasn’t even aware of – and she questions her need for freedom. This book is short so I feel like it’s more of an intro and am looking forward to reading more. Highly recommended.
