REVIEW #1

Whether listening to the lapping sounds of waves licking the shore of some distant beach or watching a tropical island sunset--or maybe it's a short jaunt to Dollywood or a tourist trip to Hollywood--wherever, there's bound to be some quiet time to curl up with a good book.

One among the plethora of novels on the market to wet readers appetite is Dorothy A. Atabong's debut novel The Princess of Kaya . As many of us take a well-deserved vacation, we're sure to have some "down time," idle time, or simply a breather from the excitement of being on vacation. When those times come, get in a little late summer reading with Atabong's wonderful book. It has intrigue, mystery, gorgeous scenery, and a tantalizing love story as well. It's rare to find a totally engrossing novel to captivate readers completely, but this one does exactly that. It's a high-octane ride along with a swiftly moving pace, absorbing narrative and dialogue. Kaya flows with fluidity and is beautifully set up to inflame tension that will have readers sitting on the edge of their seats and gnawing on their fingernails.

It is the story of how one young princess deals with the sense of reasoning, integrity, dignity, loyalty, and above all else how to adhere to traditions or not in her position as royalty. The nineteen-year-old Princess Kaya's name is Violette, but everyone calls her Kaya after the kingdom of the same name. Young Kaya has been away at school in England for the last five years. She is on her way to Kaya when her entourage in ambushed by Tekland soldiers. Tekland the enemy country next over from Kaya between there and Bashir, another small city on the Belabo island. She is rescued by Aadil, who escorts her safely to her father, who is the King of Kaya. But by the time they have walked through the forest and reached Awa, Aadil's striking eyes have all but mesmerized Princess Kaya, and the sweet sound of his voice has practically all but upturned and undone her emotions. But Aadil does not go unscathed, and he, too, battles with his emotions while desperately trying to carry out his secret mission. He is captivated by her warmth and innocence.

Princess Kaya turns twenty on the day of the Azi festival. On this day, Kaya meets Anthony from the kingdom of Bashir. It is he whom Kaya's father, the King of Kaya, betrothed as her future husband and who is the Prince of Bashir. When Kaya looks into his eyes after they are introduced, what she sees pooled there are both affection and an adamant tint that speaks to her in uncertain terms that she is now his completely and forever. She soon finds herself trapped between the love of two men and many admirers in the midst of being thrust into ruling the Kayan people, while trying to maintain a bit of herself for herself alone. Can she find happiness in the arms of Anthony, who is forgiving and loving, or Aadil, a maverick whose life she knows little about outside of the clandestine visits to her bedroom, but each time that she meets him, he sets her heart ablaze and disturbs her tranquility. She is desperately torn between the two men while her life seesaws back and forth between them. For years her life is shrouded in lies, secrets, deceptions, and murder. One step can mean the downfall of everything that the Kayan kingdom stands for. When she finally does choose between Anthony and Aadil, Kaya is delivered a devastating blow. One minute readers will adore Violette, the Princess of Kaya and later Queen, and the next they will wonder about her ability to reason at all. While Kaya's behavior is unpredictable, it is also understandable given the circumstances and the traditions of her people. Besides, in her own mind, she has cause to behave as she does. Whether readers agree with her choices or not, there is no doubt that unequivocably Kaya is a divided soul teetering on the brink of discovery and trying to balance her life for the good of all. Will she succeed? Read The Princess of Kaya to find out.

Dorothy A. Atabong has created an emotionally weighty story that will not be easy for readers to choose sides. However oddly the story's situation is, it is one that will give readers much to contemplate long after the book is closed. The Princess of Kaya comes highly recommended.

The Chattanooga Courier

REVIEW #2

Vividly describing Kaya, an island off the Western Coast of Africa, debut author Dorothy A. Atabong launches us into the novel THE PRINCESS OF KAYA. The book is a romance, yet at times it is also a painful drama that will remind you of a new age Romeo and Juliet. The most obvious difference is that this story is told in the present time with an African family of royalty. Atabong weaves in a cast of numerous characters to present a story of love, betrayal, and the consequences that one act can have not only on those involved but on an entire country. She illustrates the importance of traditions and what happens when they are broken and/or sacrificed in lieu of love or other feelings of desire.

Princess Kaya, the heiress to the Kayan throne, is returning home after being away at college in England when her entourage is attacked enroute to the palace. In the midst of the attack, she is pulled to safety by Aadil, an unknown mysterious man who not only saves her life but also escorts her safely to the gates of the palace. Even though he is aware that he has saved the Princess, Aadil refuses to meet the King of Kaya so that he can be properly thanked for his part in her well-being. Though Kaya is not sure why he saved her life, where he had come from, or anything about his identity, thoughts of him remain with her after he has left and then later when they meet up again. The thoughts are still there when she's to be married to another man.

Atabong has given us a beautiful tropical setting in which she does a wonderful job of introducing us to the traditions and history of West Africa. We also see the importance of traditions and the proceedings of those of royalty. Atabong's description of West Africa along with the dialogue put me in mind of an actual movie. I'd love to see this as a full-length movie or film.

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

REVIEW #3

Dorothy A. Atabong's debut novel is unique in that it offers the reader a glimpse into African royalty during war. In West Africa, the island nations of Kaya and Tekland have long been bitter enemies. At the opening of The Princess of Kaya, the princess Violette, whom everyone simply calls 'Kaya'after the country she will one day rule, is returning home from England. She is being educated there, but now she is home for a visit. Or so she thinks! Shortly after she arrives on Kayan soil, her entourage is ambushed and, out of nowhere, a hero materializes and risks life and limb to save her life. The hero is Aadil. In the midst of their escape, Kaya and Aadil are drawn to each other. After he delivers her safely to her father's palace, Kaya insists he come in and meet her father. Aadil adamantly refuses, which puzzles Kaya. Why doesn't he want to meet her father? The reader learns the reason why later on. He disappears into the night. Kaya believes she'll never see him again. However Aadil returns several days later, under the cover of night, and steals into her bedroom. Thus begins their love affair. Ms. Atabong is generous with her descriptions of the customs and traditions of the Kayan and Tekland peoples. The setting is beautiful and detailed. So much so that the reader can easily visualize the exotic locales. The emotions of her characters are also richly interwoven in the tale. We are a party to the indecision Kaya feels when she must choose between the man she is passionate about (Aadil), and the man her father has chosen for her to marry, the prince of Bashir, Anthony. I don't want to give away key elements in the tale because that would detract from your enjoyment of it. Suffice to say that there are secrets galore, intrigue, and plenty of drama. Ms. Atabong shows a great deal of promise as a writer. More than that, she's a good storyteller.

Janice Sims, author of FOR YOUR LOVE

REVIEW #4

Dorothy A. Atabong's novel, The Princess of Kaya, is a well-written romantic story that reminds you of a modern day Romeo and Juliet. The setting for this love story takes place on the coast of West Africa...

Ms. Atabong adds quite a few twists and turns which keeps The Princess of Kaya interesting and captures your attention to the very end. The readers will find themselves rooting for "true love" over an "arranged love.

Shades of Romance Magazine

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