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Unplanned Princess #1

Sword Diplomacy

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What is the difference between ignorance and stupidity?

Ignorance can be solved if you live long enough.

Zaena has been sent as an Elven emissary to learn and build a relationship with humanity. She's only two hundred and fifty years old, so time should be on her side.

Except she gets involved in a brutal gang war in the first month of landing on the shores of the West Coast of the United States.

San Francisco, to be exact.

Zaena quickly learns that her knowledge of humanity is closer to the twentieth than the present day twenty-first century.

So much for her teachers’ study of humanity's television shows.

She's got attitude, magic, and a sacred armor pendant. What she doesn't have is a clue.

She will survive her ignorance or die trying to build a bridge and save her people.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2021

About the author

Michael Anderle

2,361 books1,669 followers

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5 stars
438 (49%)
4 stars
317 (35%)
3 stars
107 (12%)
2 stars
18 (2%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Per Gunnar.
1,226 reviews74 followers
February 27, 2021
This is a new series by Michael Anderle and for once it looks like it is actually written by Michael Anderle himself and not, as is the case for many (too many perhaps) books, where he seems to have just added his name after the “real” author.

It is, not surprisingly, another urban fantasy series but this one is not one in the Oriceran or Kurtherian universes. I see this as a good thing since I think those two universes are beginning to get a wee bit overexploited. As a matter of fact this book has it’s own take on elves entirely.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It has some issues but it is a good book. First of all I definitely like the main protagonist. She is cool, smart and very kick-ass. As the blurb states she is indeed somewhat ignorant about human society, even to the point it becomes silly at times, but I still like her.

I also like the fact that this world is not one that is filled with supernatural creatures and, to the humans, elves are magical fairy tales. I like it because, with humans thinking that magic doesn’t exist, it creates so many wow-surprise moments, especially when Zaena kicks loose with her combat moves, and I really like those.

Zaena quickly befriends a human girl, which is not so kick-ass, and later a human private detective which is very much kick-ass. Both them are good and likable characters.

Of course, let there be bad guys. In this case they come in the form of the Chinese Triad. Good choice of bad guys I have to say. Of course the overconfident thugs of the Triad are in for some nasty surprises when they think the can slap around “the cute blond”.

Then we have the main big bad guy. I’m not going to go into much details since it would be a spoiler but he is not Chinese but it was not much of a surprise really when it was divulged what he really is.

One of the themes, the comedy element, of this book is Zaena’s ignorance of human society, modern expressions and whatnot. This is a bit hit and miss for me. Sometimes it’s mildly funny. Other times it is just silly and over the top.

Zaena thinking of herself as a “master of infiltration” when she is really just behaving like she is totally cucu or referring to the TV remote as the most powerful device in the house, the silver wand of magic, was just cringe worthy to me.

And what is it with American people and Sweden? Why do they always have to say that someone comes from Sweden when they look for some far away exotic (in their minds at least) place. At least Anderle did point out that not all Swedish girls are blond (we don’t have polar bears roaming the streets either by the way) and he didn’t mix up Sweden and Switzerland.

Anyway, it is not a perfect book but I liked it and have pre-ordered the next one already.
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
2,830 reviews33 followers
March 1, 2021
I enjoyed most of the book and really liked Zaena as a character, although the author probably overdid the clueless stuff and in some cases she verges on being stupid. The other main character is Karl, an ex-cop turned PI, who is supposed to have a nose for detective work, but actually doesn't seem that bright.
There were a couple things I didn’t like; at times the action becomes too comic book and during big fights the author has the protagonist conducting ridiculous long-winded inane discussions.
One of the good things about the book is it isn’t packed with aliens and supernatural beings and has appears to have no links with the author’s Kurtherian universe.
Profile Image for Tony Hinde.
1,773 reviews49 followers
June 13, 2023
DNF 36%

I kept waiting for the scene depicted on the cover. Instead, I got Barbie's first urban fantasy. The premise was a stretch to start with but the execution was juvenile. No one could be as naive as Zaena, the series' titular protagonist. It was just painful to read.
348 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2021
This is a Great Beginning

The fish out of water type of story has never been so much fun. I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. This volume set up the stories to come. Zaena finds a friend who help her navigate human interactions and the city. I laughed out loud through a lot of this book. I am so glad book 2 is coming in less than a month. I hope there are many more to come.
Profile Image for Frances Law.
1,101 reviews12 followers
July 8, 2021
A naive princess.

The elves want to come back. Unfortunately, they still haven’t found a cure for the disease that sent them into exile in the first place. But now, one of their royal family, their first princess, has proven to be immune to the disease. They think that they have a way of defeating it but it means setting up a base at a power
nexus in San Francisco. But first, Zaena, the eleven princess, has to deal with the present occupiers of the site. Her knowledge of American English, and in particular its slang, proves far less current than she had realised. Her apparent naivety leaves her open to bad intentions but it is foolish to assume that she’s an easy mark because she also has magical power, a lot of it.
Grace Kwan is one of the first humans to meet her and took pity on her, which turns out to be good for them both. Karl Smith is a six foot five, gay, ex detective turned PI who suspects that Zaena is more than she seems.
Like all of Michael Anderle’s stories, this has a mixture of humour, a righteous cause, elves, triads and action! On top of that, it’s very easy to read! I know when I pick up one of his books that I won’t want to put it down. If you’re reading this review then you’re probably already a fan and know that you’ll like it. You won’t be disappointed.
12 reviews
December 1, 2022
Overall I enjoyed it, and it has potential going forward. It didn't really do enough to make me feel compelled to immediately jump into the next book in the series though.

The pacing is pretty good throughout. There is a lot packed into a relatively short book, but each scene does feel like it gets adequate time.

The premise is interesting, and the characters all have potential. Also, the story does a good job at introducing new characters at the right time instead of conveniently having the main character Zaena meet everyone that she needs to within her first 24 hours inside human society.

The story also makes good use of Zaena's relative ignorance of the human world. It provides a solid foundation for some of her encounters, and it makes sense given her unique situation. If it was also going for comedic intent though then it probably missed the mark.

There are some problems with Zaena's character. She consistently monologues against opponents, telling them that what they are doing is wrong, and why they should stop/retreat. This even includes some particularly heinous individuals whom she could just put an end to without giving them multiple chances. To some degree this seems to match the intent of the character design based on what we know about her and her culture, but it also leads to a somewhat 1 dimensional character.

Finally, Zaena eventually explains her primary mission in some detail, but either the mission has key factors which were omitted in her explanation or the mission itself is nonsensical. Perhaps some of those omissions will be explained in the sequels, but after the first first book I'm left me wondering why I should care about this specific task or what exactly it accomplishes..

Overall a mostly enjoyable read. It offers enough to be fun, but it is also somewhat forgettable.
1,054 reviews12 followers
June 20, 2021
OK book, a lot of world building and too much exposition and not enough action for me.

I have to say I enjoyed the characters in this book. The book was fast paced and enjoyable but there was too much exposition. When the main protagonist is talking to her enemies she gives them a soliloquy on why they are bad and why she should not kill them or should I say why they should not want to die. This is it too much exposition part that I do not like it kind of makes you think get on with it. Other characters that this author wrote would not give the enemies the time of day that’s the kind of characters I enjoy. Don’t leave them alive so that they can stab you in the back. Anyway I will read the next book in the series to see if the character progresses and grows any further. The book does have plenty of action humor and Snark. Have to see what I think about the main protagonist and her side kicks.
Profile Image for EzaChulada Yoo.
37 reviews
June 11, 2021
Elves 🧝‍♀��

I didn’t Reallyyyyy see that one coming… I’ve read quite a few books 📚 by the Bird 🦅 Killer… 🤭 Upsss I mean M.A…. (Michael that is Sarah”s fault lol 😂(I hope I got it right 😱 😳)) Anyways I love ❤️ reading 📖 books 📚 by the wonderful Michael Andarle… or any that you are part of for the SIMPLE fact that I get HOOKED from the beginning… and I am Literally… Mostly always LOL 😂… people do tend to turn around and look 👀 at me like I’m crazy 😜, Especially if you are in line at the courthouse trying to renew your cars 🚘 sticker, while EVERYONE is mostly quiet 🤫 🤐 and also on their phones 📱… Like me EXCEPT I’m literally in Houston, TX but currently visiting San Francisco 🌉 with Zaena…. Love ❤️ this character!! A definite must Read!!!
510 reviews5 followers
March 13, 2022
Engrossing read.

I wasn't sure about this book when I first started reading but as I got further into it I must admit I was hooked. An elven princess seeking a nexus to help her people struggles to make sense of the chaos that is modern-day San Francisco, then she makes a friend who has troubles of her own. Throw in the local Triad,corrupt cops and politicians and a retired cop turned PI with his own personal involvement. Well written with twists and turns to keep you turning pages with well fleshed out characters springing to life on the page suspend disbelief this is a great story, highly recommend Baz.
241 reviews
March 27, 2022
Elf Princess

An anomaly (the fourth child of Elven royalty who rarely have more than two children, at most, and immune to the Blue Crystal death that drove elves into hiding) Zaena is to secure a magical line for the Elves to make Earth habitual for them again. Unfortunately, the researchers among her people are a little out of touch with human society. People keep staring at her, she can’t flash or cash in her gold easily, and her moral compass causes conflict with bad humans. So, what do you think her attitude is toward a man who has Triad ties and threatens her new female friend? It is a funny, paranormal police procedural!
Profile Image for Noone.
765 reviews12 followers
August 17, 2022
This was my last book by Michael Anderle.
It's always the same. They are always the same. Despite the vast amount of writing this author supposedly does, there is no improvement over time whatsoever.
It's just fanfiction power-fantasy wish fulfillment all the way down.
The writing is crude and repetitive. The jokes are worth a tired chuckle at best and cringe-worthy at worst.
If I have to listen to the MC tell us how she doesn't mind killing evil murderers and then give them ultimatum after ultimatum one more time I will blow a gasket which is why I dropped the book.
But even apart from that it's just all-around low effort and low quality even for a simple power fantasy.
Profile Image for Zachary.
618 reviews13 followers
October 31, 2021
An elf versus the mob

Fun premise that is executed to a fun degree. A few times the way the MC talked was a little stiff and long, but it fit the character. And no complaints about realism allowed - the mere premise of an elven princess who joins humanity (with little to no knowledge about it) and ends up talking on the mob means that realism has kind of been chucked out the window.

This was a fun read and written in a way I enjoyed. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,685 reviews15 followers
March 10, 2021
The Elvish Emissary

Zaena is a royal elf sent by her kingdom to explore alliance with humans and secure needed resources. I very much enjoyed her clueless reaction to the cultural shock of being thrust cold into American culture. I like the action, humor, and reaction of others to her beauty. Her character is loyal, friendly, capable, and has high moral code. I look forward to the next book.
564 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2021
Sword Diplomacy

I almost gave up on this book when the first few pages didn’t grab me. Glad I stuck with it. At first Zaena seemed to out of sync with the current world so much that I felt it would be a struggle to get through the story. She blended in quickly and any mistake caused a smile rather than a shudder. It turned into a really enjoyable read. Plenty of action. Good characters, developed nicely. Good story line. Recommended.
Profile Image for Julie.
706 reviews
March 16, 2021
Another great series

Zaena is an elf who is looking for a way to help her people cure a disease and come out of hiding. She makes a friend who has a past with a Triad gang and finds herself fighting against them. The book has plenty of fighting, magic and lots of humor in it. I am looking forward to her and her new friends continuing stories.
Profile Image for Erika.
1,144 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2021
At the beginning, when I was just getting to know the story I felt it a little slow and hard to follow, but soon I started to appreciate the cultural clash and to enjoy Zaena's way to see the world.  It was a really weird combination of naive and deadly, and even if it became obvious pretty early on the direction the story it was going to take, it was still good.

The premise is that we have an elf that only knows about humans because of what she's been told and arrives at San Francisco, where she immediately finds herself at a lost because she really doesn't understands what's going on around her.  Luckily for her, she finds Grace, who helps her get settled in.  The other main character is Karl, an ex-cop who failed to protect a witness and is now working as a PI, but then gets involved again, and ends up meeting with Zaena and Grace, and helping them.  They become allies, and together they have to stop Grace's crazy ex and face a crime organization.

It wasn't what I was expecting, but it was an interesting setting.  The way they managed the cultural differences and the way Zaena sees the world are very refreshing.
65 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2021
So different!

This is a major change Andersen's normal universe . But there is still the supernatural aspect, just done drone a totally different direction. The heroine here is an elf with 2 human sidekicks going up against Triads in San Francisco. So far so good storyline, will be reading the sequel next.
2,213 reviews52 followers
April 7, 2021
Got a solid start but could use a polish.

The characters are fine but a bit drab. The story is good but the twist at the end is very noticeable. The pace and the flow of the book are fine but they never captivate you and pull you along. So, a solid start but in need of a good polish.
Profile Image for Thomas James.
549 reviews12 followers
September 14, 2021
Good vs. Evil

The story is fun and readable, not too complex, and a straightforward superhero against the evil gang. There are some twists. The neo is a beauiful heroine elf. Her sidekick is an exp cop gay guy who is not attracted by her beauty. I gave it four-year because it all seems contrved. Like I've been here before. Altogether a fun little tale of good vs. evil.
188 reviews
February 4, 2022
different

At times good, other times slow. Well done main characters but the bad guys are extremely one dimensional. The main character is a fish out of water and has the whole getting slang expressions wrong, but at least it’s consistent. I’ll give the second book a chance even though it wasn’t a 5 star book.
57 reviews
December 28, 2023
An interesting take on elves and humans. Zaena a princess of forest elves travels to San Francisco to locate and control a magical nexus, hoping to save her people. If bourse said nexus is the headquarters to the Chinese Triads. In this first volume she makes friends, and enemies, all the while hiding her true nature.

A Good read
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,000 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2021
A new series with an interesting backstory. I became hooked very early on, and am eagerly awaiting the next book. The story has been woven with skill, and Sword Diplomacy has definitely set the scene for what will follow.
263 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2021
A great new book series

I have enjoyed almost every book I have read since death becomes her. This new book is fun and has a great feel to the inter play between charters.I am looking forward to reading more.as always thank you for you hard work
107 reviews
March 14, 2021
Younger Elvier cheerier Bethany Anne

Very fun start - good warrior growth and simple plotting - fast paced and fun - not sure why the author is against his female characters having a love-sex life but so far fun!
Profile Image for Dannan Tavona.
727 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2021
Intriguing

Urban Fantasy
The story was enough to get me to give the story a try. The writing didn't sizzle but it did pull me along. So, the MC has her new base of operations. Book 2 seems worth a read.
Profile Image for Kat.
5 reviews
April 2, 2021
DNF.

The premise is very good, a sheltered like elf who pops onto modern San Francisco. Yet somehow it was so boring. I was at 56% and still waiting for a reason to care. It had so great bones but then it felt thin and silly instead.
74 reviews
April 6, 2021
Great book

I wasn’t sure about this book at first but boy am I glad I read it. An elf in the modern world is not new but this is so funny and then the action great I can’t wait to read the next book
308 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2021
Bored to Pieces

I like this writer and decided to try this book when I read reviews that it was funny. I didn’t like the first chapter, didn’t like the second chapter and quit part way through the third because I was too bored. Maybe I should have kept trying...or not.
859 reviews8 followers
April 20, 2021
A great start to a new series

Kick ass action and a misunderstood princess.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
Elves versus gangsters, what more do you need to know?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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