The Princess and the Hound

He is a prince, heir to a kingdom threatened on all sides, possessor of the animal magic, which is forbidden by death in the land he'll rule.
She is a princess from a rival kingdom, the daughter her father never wanted, isolated from true human friendship but inseparable from her hound.
Though they think they have little in common, each possesses a secret that must be hidden at all costs. Proud, stubborn, bound to marry for the good of their kingdoms, this prince and princess will steal your heart, but will they fall in love?

A classic love story that isn't really sappy. The prince, which can understand and talk to animals even though animal magic is considered evil, is going to marry Princess Beatrice who loves her hound more than anything. In a lot of eventful situations the true nature of everyone and everything comes into play, and people aren't really who you think they are or what you think they are for that matter. A really good storyline and ending. Both prince and princess realize their true potential and their love for each other at the same time.

Review/Description

Prince George must keep his ability to talk to animals a secret. In Kendel, animal magic is punishable by death, and the fear and loathing toward practitioners is reminiscent of the witch hunts of medieval Europe. Even as royalty, George cannot reveal his secret. Lonely and isolated, George accepts his betrothal to Princess Beatrice as a political alliance, expecting never to trust enough to find love. But when George and Beatrice meet, George is drawn to Beatrice and the beautiful hound, Marit, who is her constant companion. In the pair, George finds not only trust but also others whose lives have been touched by animal magic. George is not a typical Prince Charming, but Beatrice has the feel of a damsel in distress. Both need rescuing in their own ways, and Harrison sets up a story that draws readers into their growing relationship. George, the infatuated prince, is an atypical fairy-tale narrator. His perspective adds depth and insight to his character, but Beatrice's chilly personality is less developed. Her isolation is just as apparent as George's, and he is drawn to her through their shared loneliness. George's growth from prince to king is admirable, especially as he learns to accept his shortcomings and his secret abilities and forgive himself his past mistakes.