Fun Reads… Sunday: Unbetrothed, by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz

I’m a couple days late on my Friday blog post, but I had to squeeze this in. If you’re looking for a great book gift for that teen girl who reads, look no further. Unbetrothed, by Candice Yamnitz hits all the sweet spots for teen adventure, fantasy, romance; plus it has a multi-cultural Latin flair.

Our heroine, Beatriz, is a princess who enters the scene with years of training and mountains of expectation, so that when she finally comes of age… her life is beyond disappointing. This is such a relatable set-up, and you can feel all the feels with Beatriz. A weight of rejection rests on her entire family because Beatriz hasn’t been blessed with the necessary magic to contribute to her kingdom. Add to that stress a servant who always gets things wrong and an impossible, life-long crush on the boy that should have been hers. Beatriz becomes a girl NOT to emulate or even like that much. Like all of us, her frustration comes out a bit like tyranny against those who are weaker than she is and a disregard for the ones who love her most.

I wish I’d had books like this when I was growing up. Sometimes, I simply didn’t understand when I was being unkind because I was so wrapped up in my own narcissistic angst. For Beatriz, it took real danger and helplessness to make her see what kind of a person she has become. But it’s also a grand and wonderful adventure that culminates in learning about true friendship and sincere affection. 

Unbetrothed is a fantastic, eye-opening parable, but it isn’t preachy. It’s just what we all are until good people choose to place themselves around us, partner with us, and love us. Beatriz grows and becomes everything she should be and more!

Even if you’re not the target audience, I think you will enjoy this book.