Step into the thrilling world of The Princess Trials, where a post-apocalyptic beauty pageant turns into a deadly game of survival and rebellion! Cordelia K. Castel’s young adult fantasy series blends heart-pounding romance, political intrigue, and sharp social commentary, following Zea Calico, a fierce commoner navigating a treacherous competition to marry a prince while secretly aiding a rebel cause. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and The Selection, this series will keep you glued to the pages.
In the desolate kingdom of Phangloria, where water is currency and deserts dominate, Zea’s journey from a lowly harvester to a revolutionary heroine captivates with its high stakes and emotional depth. Ready to dive into a world of backstabbing, forbidden love, and cunning plots? Let’s explore The Princess Trials!
How The Princess Trials Began
Cordelia K. Castel, writing under a pseudonym, crafted The Princess Trials as a love letter to dystopian romance and fierce heroines. Inspired by the drama of reality TV competitions like The Bachelor and the gritty rebellion of The Hunger Games, Castel envisioned a world where societal divides and royal intrigue collide. Released in 2020, the series emerged during a surge of YA dystopian fiction, carving its niche with a unique blend of glamour and grit.
Castel, a self-professed dragon-rider in her fantasy world, channeled her passion for weapon-wielding heroines into Zea’s story. Independently published, the series gained traction through word-of-mouth and glowing reviews on platforms like Goodreads, where fans praised its fast-paced plot and unpredictable twists.
The Heart of The Princess Trials
The series kicks off with The Princess Trials (2020), where Zea Calico joins a televised competition to wed Prince Kevon, tasked by the Red Runners to uncover palace secrets. But as she navigates ruthless rivals and deadly challenges, her growing feelings for Kevon threaten her mission. The Princess Games (2020) ramps up the danger, with Zea facing brutal trials and a heart-wrenching choice between Kevon and a rebel ally. The Princess Crown (2020) deepens the rebellion, as Zea’s actions spark chaos, while The Princess Purge (2021) and The Princess Strike (2022) push her toward a revolutionary showdown.
Set in a post-nuclear Phangloria, the series shines with its vivid world-building—walled cities, irradiated wastelands, and a rigid class system where harvesters toil for royal elites. Themes of inequality, loyalty, and resistance resonate, with Zea’s journey exposing the monarchy’s corruption. Castel’s style, blending romance with violent stakes, creates a compulsive read, though some critique its reliance on familiar tropes. Yet, its fresh spin—think The Selection’s romance with The Hunger Games’ rebellion—makes it stand out.
The series’ social commentary, exploring class divides and media manipulation, adds depth. Zea’s evolution from naive harvester to cunning rebel mirrors the series’ escalating tension, with twists (no spoilers!) that keep readers guessing. Fans on Amazon rave about its addictive pacing and complex characters, like the charming yet conflicted Prince Kevon.
Why The Princess Trials Resonates
The Princess Trials has carved a loyal fanbase among YA dystopian enthusiasts, offering a thrilling escape with relatable themes. Its focus on a strong female lead navigating love and rebellion appeals to readers craving empowered heroines. While not a cultural juggernaut like The Hunger Games, its indie success highlights the power of niche storytelling, with fans eagerly awaiting potential adaptations.
The series’ blend of glamour, danger, and social critique makes it timeless, inviting readers to question authority and fight for change. Its impact lies in its ability to balance heart-fluttering romance with gritty survival, creating a world that’s as enchanting as it is unforgiving.
- Publication Years: 2020–2022
- Number of Books: 5
- Genre: YA Dystopian Romance
Grab The Princess Trials and dive into Phangloria’s dazzling yet deadly world! Will Zea win the crown or spark a revolution? There’s only one way to find out!