I have greatly enjoyed this series since Volume One and this volume did not disappoint. I love the direction the series is going and can't wait for more.

The penultimate volume gets off to a good start. I've really loved this series and how it tackles hi-fantasy tropes. More importantly, it isn't preachy about its messages either. Adrienne's dad is by all accounts a toxic alpha male who needed to get taken down a peg. But Adrienne doesn't want to hurt him either, just show him how much of a bad example he leads by. However, Adrienne isn't perfect herself, this volume displays how she's always been the black sheep of the family. Her relationship with her sister Apple could be very big in this way. Some girls don't mind playing by the traditional roles and that's equally as fine as defying them if it's what they want and they're good at it. That's not to say Adrienne hasn't come out of this for the worse, she's really grown over the course of the series.

Then there's Adrienne's brother and the way his friendship with the elf Tempest. He's never been what his dad wanted him to be but he has found someone to protect and enrich. Tempest herself is a powerful character who has discovered herself through both tragedy and through personal experience. She's also willing to make the necessary sacrifices in order to do what's right, even if it's not always favorable. The rest of her arc is going to be tough, but it's something everyone is invested in.

The villains of this series all seem to share something. They act all big and evil but most of them are just insecure about their place. Most of them are just too afraid to make any changes to their lives and think more about looking strong than actually being strong. Thankfully Ashe is no longer a part of this.

The final volume better wrap the story up neatly.

I need Princeless to be in the hands of every young person ever and this volume especially needs to be read! The big fight between Adrienne and her father is fantastically done and like another reviewer said, Adrienne's youngest sister is unabashedly a Disney Princess (and totally calls Adrienne out, which is great). I'm so sad that the series is ending, but it sure does deliver with every volume.

Princeless Volume 9: Love Yourself by Jeremy Whitley, 128 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, LGBTQIA+
Action Lab Comics, 2019. $15.
Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
The end is coming. As Adrienne fights an unexpected battle on her way to save her sister Appalonia and Devin gives his friend to the Elves as their lost princess, they uncover more secrets. With battles on every front, their only choice is to move forward separately and hope to come together victoriously.
The illustrations and story are both well done, thrusting me into a new world that I want to stay in -- even when I’m a little confused. I haven’t read all of the Princeless volumes, though I now really want to, which is why I was a little lost. Nevertheless, I loved what I was reading -- the strength of the characters and their determination to fight for what they’re passionate about, the unexpected directions of the story and the love for family and people that underlies the actions of Adrienne and her family.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Another great volume of Princeless! This one was definitely more action-packed than the last few volumes have been and I appreciate all the plot progress made, although there is still plenty of character development as well. This volume goes back and forth between Adrienne confronting her father and trying to save her youngest sister and Devin and Tempest who have been captured by the wood elves. It was very satisfying to see Adrienne finally confront her father and we also learn some great stuff about Tempest's past as well. Can't wait to see how it all ends!

Honestly, this series has to be one of the best comic books on the market EVER.
I have been devouring Princeless since volume 1, and recommending it to pretty much everyone. I can't wait untill my nieces are old enough that I can give them a complete set! I am dying to read the finale, but also dreading the ending. There will never be less than 5 stars.

However, Volume 9!
Finally, FINALLY Adrienne comes face to face with her father. You know, the one who locked her up in a tower.. Understandably, she has a few issues to work through about this. Unfortunately with a sword....But, dang did I love their battle and the way they finally got to really see each other (up until Dad gets captured by a Minotaur. Don't worry, it makes sense)
I loved the character of the last Princess. Appolonia is full Disney Princess and owns it. She likes being a princess, she talks to animals, but she is still brilliant, clever, and happy with who she is.
And I love, love, LOVED discovering more about Tempest. No Spoilers, but in a book filled to the top with feminist, queer, and poc representation, Tempest would earn a sixth star if I were allowed to give it.

Well done Whitley. I adore you

This series just continues with the awesome, and is rarely on the shelf. Definitely add this to your library's collection, and the series makes a perfect gift to just about everyone age, hmm, 8 and above.