3 1/2 jousting stars. 
 I enjoyed the 'Knight's Tale' meets 'Ever After' feel of this story. It certainly beats out the Disney version. (Well...unless you happen to be into vapid, helpless heroines and serenading rodentia. >.>) 
 The medieval tournament games were detailed and engaging--a welcome new aspect to the interconnected 'fairy tales' the author has previously retold from an inspirational angle. Valten made for a distinctly different sort of hero than any who've appeared previously in Dickerson's series. Rigidly controlled, analytical, and emotionally crippled as far as women are concerned, his personal growth was pronounced by the end. And Gisela was nearly my favorite of the heroines thus far--as she had more of a tomboyish, equestrian appeal to her that this reader found endearing. 
 I did have a little beef with a few points of cliche' and repetition that probably should have been caught in the editing process. (Seriously, if Gisela's heart 'skipped a beat' one more time, I was ready to buy her a defibrillator. Or maybe a Jump Rope. >.<) I also found the consequences for the antagonists in this story a bit less satisfying than in previous books. Color me vindictive, but I like to see more than a slap on the wrist when human trafficking is involved--regardless of the era. >.> That may just be me, though. 
 All in all, another sweet historical story that may hold particular appeal to the younger-to-middle YA crowd. A worthy 4th installment to add to my collection. :)