Originally published in 2 volumes: Once a Princess and Twice a Prince, Smith released the ebook as a single volume which is how she originally wrote it, although the 2 volume formatting is preserved. I had the original first book in print for many years, but never came across the second.

This is a YA portal fantasy: starting on Earth, Sasharia Zhavalieshin is attending grad school in LA and paying her way as a waitress. However, she has a secret - she and her Earth-born mother, Sun, have escaped from Khanerenth on the world of Sartorias-Deles (which may have been settled from Earth) where her father, Prince Mathias of Khanerenth has disappeared. She is found by agents of the usurper king and also by agents of the resistance. Drawn back to Khanerenth by the latter, she finds herself in the midst of politics and doesn’t know who to trust: who is Zandath the Pirate, what are the ultimate aims of the Randart brothers, and is the usurper really in love with Sun (and will she accept him over her husband)?

A swash-buckling romp, very much in the style of The Prisoner of Zenda, the story forms part of the ongoing history of Sartorias-Deles.

Recommended.

A truly enjoyable and fun adventure with a nice dash of romance. I loved the characters, and the plot evolved in a really good, twisty and unpredictable way. I can't imagine reading this as two books! There are the good guys, the bad guys, and the confused guys, which I also liked, because isn't that often the case? Awesomely swashbuckling! Highly recommended. ( )