Reviews of Princess Ben

★ "Murdock's prose sweeps the reader up and never falters, blending a formal syntax and vocabulary with an intimate tone that bonds the reader with Ben as she transforms . . . into a competent, compassionate thinking young woman."

- Horn Book (starred review)

- Horn Book Podcast Interview >> click to listen

★ "A rip-roaring yarn."

- Booklist (starred review)

"Full of magic, adventure, and fantasy!!! I absolutely recommend this book!!!"

- The Story Siren

"Murdock manages to take all the familiar fairy tale elements and turn them on their head. Oh, and the voice! . . . A quill pen on parchment."

- Sarah Miller

"What's even better than a young wizard surprised by his magical abilities? How about a PRINCESS surprised by hers?"

1. -AudioFile
   

"It's a romantic fairy tale with amusing and exciting twists, starring a self-reliant heroine who girls can be proud of."

- Wichita Eagle 

"There is an especially funny battle scene towards the end . . .You'll have to read it to find out more."

- Em's Bookshelf

"Thoroughly entertaining."

- Publishers Weekly

"An amusing, heartwarming adventure put forth in richly flavored prose."

- Kirkus

"All in all, a very elegantly written and satisfying literary fairy tale."

- Educating Alice

“You will want to read Princess Ben in one sitting, it’s that good.”

- YA Books Central

"I loved this book! It was amazing, and . . . . . . . I loved it!"

- Trainspotting Reads

"Written in a style that really fits the story — a bit old-fashioned and fantastical, as well as witty and intelligent."

- Teen Book Review

“Beyond the fantastic heroine, there are so many adventures, surprises, and plot twists that readers won't be able to put the book down.”

- Common Sense

"Adventurous, romantic, entertaining, and most of all, a humorous story about growing up that anyone of any age will not help but love."

- The Compulsive Reader

"Ben is a spirited narrator, and readers will love every minute they spend with her."

- Teensreadtoo.com

"I love how the chick on the cover still looks like she can kick your tail halfway to China, even in that gorgeous dress and all the sparklies."

- Confessions of a Bibliovore

“I have always been a big fan of Murdock’s books, but this one now holds a special place in my heart.”

- And Another Book Read

"Princess Ben is a real step away from Dairy Queen and The Off Season, but I'm pleased to report that it's awesome."

- Abby (the) Librarian

"Highly recommended to those who love to read about princesses, dragons, and magic."

- TeenFX

"Princess Ben is a REAL princess for REAL girls. Hurrah!"

- Shawn, youth services librarian, Wisconsin

“Whether in a helmet and shoulder pads or velvet frocks, D.J. and Princess Ben (short for Benevolence) both cut similar sturdy, delightfully complex figures.”

- Minneapolis St. Paul Star-Tribune

"a fanciful, delicious story that will have readers on the edges of their seats!"

- bookworm readers

"Full of humor and spirit."

- Association of Booksellers for Children

Reader reviews on Amazon >>

I loved Ben and all of her adventures . . . I particularly enjoyed how she wanted to turn Florian into a frog and keep him in a box so she could poke him with a stick.

1. -Lynn