Royal Tour
By: Amy Alward
Since winning the Hunt and saving her new BFF, Princess Evelyn, Sam Kemi has been royally busy.. What with TV interviews, working in her family's potion store and preparing to join Evelyn on her world tour, Sam STILL hasn't had time for a real date with Zain, her new-boyfriend-slash-former-rival. And that's not happening anytime soon. Someone has tampered with Sam's grandad's mind and she is the only one who can unlock his memories. Memories that contain the key to the most powerful potion in the world and one which people would kill for . . . So Sam must swap dresses, princes and palaces for dragons, centaurs and caves in her quest to save her grandad (and everyone else). Just your standard episode in the life of a potion-making teenager, then. Praise for The Potion Diaries: 'It's so cool!' Zoe Sugg aka Zoella 'Inventive, romantic and downright delightful' Sarah J Maas, author of theThrone of Glass series
AI Overview
Book Overview: "The Potion Diaries: Royal Tour" by Amy Alward
Plot Summary
"The Potion Diaries: Royal Tour" by Amy Alward is the second installment in the "Potion Diaries" series. The story follows Sam Kemi, a teenager who has saved Princess Evelyn from a love potion and has become her close friend. Sam agrees to accompany Evelyn on a world tour to keep the princess safe with a power-binding potion. However, Sam also has another pressing concern: someone has tampered with her grandfather's mind, and she is the only one who can unlock his memories to save him and the family business. These memories contain the recipe for a powerful potion that many people would kill to obtain, making Sam's quest not only personal but also crucial for global safety.
Key Themes
- Friendship and Loyalty: The book highlights Sam's dedication to her friends and family, particularly her relationship with Princess Evelyn and her efforts to protect her grandfather.
- Magic and Adventure: The story is filled with magical elements, including dragons, centaurs, and rare ingredients found in magical forests and frozen tundras, adding to the adventurous nature of the plot.
- Power and Control: The quest for the powerful potion recipe raises themes of power and control, as various powerful individuals are desperate to obtain it.
Critical Reception
Positive Aspects:
- Engaging Storyline: Reviewers have praised the book for its engaging storyline, which combines elements of adventure, magic, and personal relationships.
- Character Development: Sam's character is particularly well-received, showcasing her determination and loyalty to those she cares about.
- Fun and Bright: The book is described as "bright and fun" with a slightly less ridiculous tone compared to the first installment.
Constructive Criticism:
- Two-Dimensional Villain: Some reviewers have noted that the villain, Emilia, is somewhat one-dimensional but still appreciated her arc in the story.
- Pacing and Ridiculousness: While the book is generally well-received, some critics mention that it can be slightly ridiculous at times, which might detract from the overall experience.
Conclusion
"The Potion Diaries: Royal Tour" by Amy Alward offers an exciting blend of magic, adventure, and personal relationships. The book's engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and themes of friendship and power make it an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy and adventure novels. While it may have some minor flaws, the overall reception is positive, making it a great addition to the "Potion Diaries" series.