Review of The Messenger

Details about the book:
Title: The Messenger
Author: Leah Rose
Page count: 269
First sentence: Jeilin was six years old when she first saw a messenger.

My Review
The Messenger is a historical novel based in a made-up world but without fantasy creatures.
The reason I read this book is because I was browsing through my library's new books and it just popped out at me. I'm glad I read it because it had the right hint of suspense and romance.
The main plot in this book is for Jeilin to fulfil her dream of becoming a messenger for King Darnasius and carrying his messages across the country. But along the way she encounters some romance, and some surprise and heartbreak.
Jeilin is a 16-year-old girl who will do anything to achieve her dreams, and she always thinks before she acts. I liked her because she stuck up for herself, and, even though there is only one other female messenger besides her, she didn't allow that to put her off her dream. I didn't like her because she keeps to herself, and doesn't really socialise with the opposite sex.
I didn't like this book because the author made the book stereotypical, what with Jeilin winning the race to become a new messenger, and also with the love between her, a farm girl turned messenger, and Prince Rhainin.
But I did like it because it was just engulfing, a major page-turner.
This book was published this year, and I found it really enjoyable. I liked the cover because it actually related to the book, not like some others I've read.
Overall, this is definitely a recommended book. In my opinion, it's a book for those who like historical fiction, and also horses because it's about her and her horse, and how she feels about him. I give it a 4/5.