by: Khalia Moreau
Genre: Interracial Fantasy
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Publisher: Forever
Two sisters are trapped on opposite sides of reality in this entrancing and deeply moving debut novel that weaves together a contemporary narrative with a parallel fantasy world.
One year ago, a tragic car accident killed 22-year-old Laine’s parents and left her 18-year-old sister, Alyssa, paralyzed and nonverbal. Now—instead of studying animal nutrition or competing as one of the few equestrians of color—Laine is struggling with predatory banks, unscrupulous health care organizations, and rude customers at the coffee shop where she works. That’s why when Lake Forest Adult Day Center offers to take care of Alyssa, free of charge, Laine is relieved.
Alyssa isn't relieved, though. After all, in her mind, there was never a car accident. Instead, she and her parents—the king and queen of Mirendal—were attacked one year ago in the forest, her parents kidnapped while she was cursed, and now must spend her days in Lake Forest's Home for Changels—a temple caring for mortals such as herself. Perhaps there, she could meet other changels who show her how to embrace her new life.
However, there is a dark prince at Lake Forest, one who has taken a peculiar interest in not only Alyssa but her sister as well. And while Laine struggles to make ends meet on an everyday basis, Alyssa finds herself leading a battle that threatens to destroy not only her and her sister but their entire kingdom.
A year ago, a car accident claimed the lives of twenty-two-year-old Laine Highland’s parents. The accident also left her eighteen-year-old sister Alyssa severely injured. Alyssa is unable to walk, speak, or do any tasks for herself. She spends her days in a wheelchair, trapped inside her mind. Alyssa’s mind has conjured up a world where she believes her family is royalty and an evil man has kidnapped her parents (the king and queen of Mirendal) and placed a curse on her. In reality, Laine finds herself working as a barista, yet barely being able to cover the bills and struggling to take care of Alyssa the way she should be taken care of. She gets a lifeline when Lake Forest, an adult day care center, offers for Alyssa to attend free of charge. But things are not what they seem.
The Princess of Thornwood Drive blends Lanie’s real-world reality with Alyssa’s fantasy world. Told in first person dual points of view, you get to experience what the sisters are experiencing with overlapping details. For the most part, the characters are fleshed out pretty well. Khalia writes them in a way where you either like them or get the creepy crawlies.
The Princess of Thornwood Drive mixes Trinidadian lore with fantasy, to create a story about family (birth and found), hope, love, and healing. Khalia makes you feel invested in the sisters and their lives, with the hope that things will work out. Readers should be aware that there are mentions of SA and unaliving one’s self both off the page.
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.**
Rating: 4.5
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