Deception's Princess

Wow! I completely devoured this novel in one sitting! What a story! Talk about a story that really has it all! Esther Friesner does it again and captivates audiences with Deception's Princess! If you're looking of an excellent period piece with a headstrong, determined, sharp-tongued, strong-willed, intelligent and quick-witted heroine, than this is the book for you! Maeve is all that and more!

Summary Courtesy of Goodreads:

Maeve, princess of Connacht, was born with her fists clenched. And it's her spirit and courage that make Maeve her father's favorite daughter. But once he becomes the High King, powerful men begin to circle—it's easy to love the girl who brings her husband a kingdom.

Yet Maeve is more than a prize to be won, and she's determined to win the right to decide her own fate. In the court's deadly game of intrigue, she uses her wits to keep her father's friends and enemies close—but not too close. When she strikes up an unlikely friendship with the son of a visiting druid, Maeve faces a brutal decision between her loyalty to her family and to her own heart.

Award-winning author Esther Friesner has a remarkable gift for combining exciting myth and richly researched history. This fiery heroine's fight for independence in first-century Ireland is truly worthy of a bard's tale. Hand Deception's Princess to fans of Tamora Pierce, Shannon Hale, and Malinda Lo. If you're a lover of Irish Mythology or event if you're not, Friesner will quench your thirst for rich world building and excellent character building. I will warn that you might start to actually believe that you are living in the bustling Irish castle or running in the tall grasses of the pasture or even find yourself within the walls of a smelly cabin. This transportation into Friesner's world is so gloriously vivid that you will want to visit again and again!

Deception's Princess follows Maeve which is based on Queen Maeve (Medb) of Connacht who has many legends about her character but as portrayed in the novel, who can really know what is truth and what is exaggeration. Maeve however, is very true to herself and continually shows her intelligence and strong-will throughout the novel. She knows how to read people and how to play people but also isn't into playing games and in that vein remains true to her virtues and make (if but few) lifelong friendships.


This was an excellent coming of age/legend/historical story that really depicted the woman we all strive to be; determined, virtuous, intelligent, beautiful, funny, etc. Who can't help but love her?!