The Last Princess (Islands of the Crown #2) by Jewel Allen | A Book Review

This is the sequel to the Spanish Exile. From the last book, Capt. Raul Calderon was exiled to Manila but with a very special assignment from the King. If he succeeded, he will be welcomed back to Spain with open arms. His transgressions will be forgotten.

Unfortunately, Capt. Calderon got captured by the natives who are slave raiders and was presented to the Last Princess, who had a reputation of torturing and beheading those who trespass her beloved islands. Juliza Alimuddin was curious of the spaniard and she nursed him back to health, even against her allies wishes. 

I have been looking for stories about the Philippines written by contemporary authors. My country is rich with stories, legends, myths, folklores and so on. I wonder why not a lot of modern writers wanted to tackle those kind of stories. If I wanted to write a book, I would definitely write about the rich culture and stories of my people. Whether they'd be historical ones, retellings of popular legends and myths, or talk about the supernatural experiences and superstitions of my people. A whole lot of subjects and area is available and I think there are research materials available too. I would want to share a part of my culture and the richness of its history to the world. Looking at it may be a daunting task but if anyone could pull it off, I think the rewards would be as amazing.

So, it was just a surprise and a joy for me to find this series. Thank you ebooksforreview.com for featuring Jewel Allen's books. I would not have meet this author who I share a heritage with as she is part Filipino. I am so proud to have found her works and be reminded how rich the Filipino culture is and the world needs to know that.

Reading this book brought a kind of pride that only could come from being a part of a heritage and culture that had been mixed and influenced by cultures from around the world. Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Malay, American and so on. These have added to the richness and color of what the modern Filipino is today. I hope that Miss Allen will continue to write the same genre and explore more aspects of her heritage and culture of our country. I also hope that more authors would follow suit and share in the endeavor. I share that dream too.

The Last Princess, features a colorful and descriptive encounter between a spaniard and a native of Gurian. In spite of the differences in culture, language and customs, Juliza and Capt. Calderon found a common ground and these two developed a friendship and love beyond their differences. The scenic backdrop of Gurian island and Zamboanga and the host of other interesting characters, in an era where a few remaining islands in the archipelago tried to steadfastly hold on to its roots and refuse to succumb to the foreign influence. This is such an insightful read and it showcased just how abundant and interesting these 7,107 islands of this country is. 

I give this book 4/5 colorful vintas. Thank you Miss Allen for this very intriguing and colorful series. I am looking forward to more of the same stories about the Philippines from you. Hopefully, you'll find more interesting subjects about our culture to coin stories from, whether they'd be a personal journey for you or just out of curiosity of your roots and heritage. And I am calling on all the other authors, especially those with Filipino blood and descent, I think it's time we hear more stories about our rich culture and share it to the whole world. 

Perhaps I've fallen in love with a myth too, like the rest of the fools.

- Jewel Allen, The Last Princess - 

Other books in the series:The Spanish Exile (Islands of the Crown #1)

The Spanish Exile (Islands of the Crown #1) by Jewel Allen | A Book Review

I got this, along with the next book in the series from ebooksforreview.com. I could say, I am a regular reviewer of the site. Every month, I always sign up to review any or all of the titles featured. Most of the books featured on the site are also really good stories. I came to meet a lot of new authors through it and some of those authors I have come to love and follow. I have become bewitched by their talent and can't help but wait for their next stories to come out.

Let me just get this out--Yes, right at the start so everyone will know. I sort of felt a personal stake or kinship to this story because it mentioned the Philippines. I know it's shallow or pathetic but I feel proud finding books written by a non-Filipino and mentions a Filipino character or a place in my country in his/her story. As long as it speaks of good things about my country and my people, it makes my heart swell. It's a far cry from hearing about terrorists and terrorism on the news. I am even prouder of this story because the writer is part Filipino. 

For some who don't know, the Philippines was under the Spanish rule for 333 years. Yes, the big three. In those more than three centuries, we have been influenced by the Spaniards greatly, even some of the common and undesirable Filipino traits have been unfortunately acquired from the Spanish rulers. Those three centuries were unfortunately not the best years of our history. A lot of maltreatment and abuses were suffered. If only, good things and influences were gained from those years of rule, then maybe, my country would have probably been better for it.

So, history aside, this story is coined from those years of Spanish rule. The main protagonist, Raul Calderon, a Spanish born with one bad leg that causes him to limp, dreams of joining the military. By some unfortunate incident, he met a man that would become his fencing tutor, after saving them from road bandits. This man became Raul's mentor and fanned more his yearning to become a military man. And he did become one. He rose up the ranks and became a captain. By another unfortunate event, he was charged of a crime against the crown and was later exiled to the Philippine Islands.

I love historical fiction. I was never fond of history in my student days. I guess, I would owe this love for this genre on Clive Cussler. I have been fascinated by his stories that history came to be a very interesting subject for me. Especially after having travelled to some historic places in Asia, I became even more interested in history. So, no wonder this book got my fancy. 

I was even more enamored when I learned how this story came to be. It is for me the greatest adventure--to be able to discover some proof that you were descended from some people who had done something important and became part of history. This was what urged the author to come up with this story, though this may in part contain fiction. 

The story of Raul Calderon is a story that a lot of people can relate to. Fighting for your country and fighting for love. Which of the two carries a heavier weight? Which would you give up, betray and save? Raul Calderon represents a good Spanish man who loves his country and who has seen the sufferings of war. He's torn between doing his duty and doing what's right. 

I give this book 4/5 swords. This is a well-written story of adventure. It seemed as if it was not fiction at all. It's a pleasure knowing you Capt. Raul Calderon. 

She'll have no problem attracting a smile, especially if Good Fortune is a man.

- Jewel Allen, The Spanish Exile - 

Other books in the series:The Last Princess (Islands of the Crown #2)