ARC Review of 'The Princess Knight' by Cait Jacobs

The Princess Knight by Cait Jacobs was one of my most anticipated debuts of the year and I’m happy to say that, overall, it delivered. The writing is gorgeous. Jacobs’ prose is smooth and immersive in a way that makes you feel like you’re walking the castle halls yourself.

The worldbuilding is wonderfully detailed, steeped in Irish-inspired folklore and mythology, and the setting of Caisleán Cósta the prestigious military academy was such a refreshing twist on the “princess proving herself” trope.

The lore runs deep here, which I loved, but it also means the story has moments that feel heavier and slower than I was expecting. It’s an interesting balance: at times lighthearted and charming, at others surprisingly weighty and political.

Clía is a heroine who’s hard not to root for, even when she frustrated me. She’s determined to prove her worth, to show her ex-betrothed (Domhnall) and, frankly, the world that she’s more than a pretty political pawn. I admired her drive and stubbornness, though I did find myself shaking my head at her lack of preparation for a military academy (seriously, girl, maybe learn how to hold a sword first?).

Ronan, on the other hand, was a highlight for me. Stoic, loyal, and dealing with chronic pain in a way that was realistically and thoughtfully portrayed. His relationship with Clía is a sweet, slow burn, and while I enjoyed it, I will admit it sometimes lacked that spark of romantic tension I wanted. They read more like partners and friends than fiery lovers, but the emotional support they gave each other was still satisfying to see.

The side characters were another strength: Niamh was a standout (absolutely terrifying in the best way), Kían and Sárait were adorable, and even Domhnall, who I wanted to throw in a moat for much of the book, managed to win me over by the end. The queer representation and bisexual MCs were seamlessly integrated into the world, which felt both refreshing and natural.

My only real complaints are that the pacing dragged in spots and that the marketing made me expect a lighter, more comedic tone than what I got. This isn’t bad, it just means readers should go in expecting a fantasy with layers of politics, lore and emotional depth, not just a “Legally Blonde in armor” romp. There’s banter, there’s romance, but there’s also war looming on the horizon, betrayal, and genuine stakes.

All in all, The Princess Knight is a strong, beautifully crafted debut with heart and grit. I’m giving it 4 stars out of 5 because, while it wasn’t perfect, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would absolutely read more in this world.

Huge thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC, and I can’t wait to see what Cait Jacobs does next.

ISBN: 9780063321151

Pub Date: October 14, 2025