Reviews:

"[P]owerful, surprising, moving, and deep. . . The Princess and the Hound is a classic. It defies rules and formulas. It does nothing in the way that other fantasies have taught us to expect. Yet every rule-defying decision by Harrison is exactly right, leading to a breathtakingly right ending."
Orson Scott Card

"Like a tale spun out over many winter evenings."
Kirkus

"The tale's perspective from that of the marriageable prince, not the more usual damsel's view, makes this stand out from other novels set in a folklore framework."
Booklist

"With the language and feeling of a fairy tale, Harrison tells the story of . . . a likeable hero, a nuanced character who is sensitive to the needs of others while he is also trying to be strong and brave. Well-written and intriguing. Harrison has a PhD in Germanic literature and her intelligence and love of language shine throughout."
Kliatt

"What I loved about the book was not so much the retelling aspect . . .but the idea of the secrets we keep, and when it is necessary to disclose them. . . . [T]he world of Harrison's novel is one where such secrets may bring about persecution and death. . . I think a lot of teens will relate it to high school."
Alex Flinn

"Harrison's writing style is most evocative of Robin McKinley but still all her own. Readers of fantasy, animal stories and subtle romances will enjoy this novel and hope for more from this skilled author. Fans of Robin McKinley, Patricia McKillip, Franny Billingsley, Cornelia Funke and Sherwood Smith should add this to their "must" be read list.
Heidi Anne Heiner, SurlaLune Fairy Tales

"A handsome prince, a beautiful princess, an unusual hound, two secrets, dangerous enemies - this book has all the elements of a classic tale. This is Beauty and the Beast with several unique twists. Readers will admire the courage of the Prince and his intended bride. And who is the beast? The answer will surprise you."
The Toledo Blade

"Not since Tale of Desperaux have I opened a book and wanted to read aloud so much. In her prologue Mette Ivie Harrison evoked exactly the tone and voice of a classic fairy tale in the oral tradition. . ."
interactivereader.com

More:

If you want to read more about the world of The Princess and the Hound, here is another "legend" in the same style,
The Tale of the Cat-Man

And here is the first chapter of the sequel,
The Bear and the Hound

Reviews

"Grips you from the very first page all the way to the surprising conclusion."
Holly Black, author of The Spiderwick Chronicles

"[A]n extraordinary novel . . . I cannot recommend this novel highly enough . . . Mira, Mirror is one of those rare things - an imaginative fantasy that is also a deep novel about the human spirit. One of the most original, insightful fantasy novels ever written . . .This is a classic; you don't want to miss it."
Orson Scott Card

"This exciting, dark fantasy that examines the bonds of sisterly love will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. . . This is a moving and at times graphic retelling."
Sharon Rawlins, School Library Journal

"Enchanting story . . . Mira is perhaps the most intriguing and complex protagonist ever to grace the pages of a re-told fairy tale. . . .Mira, Mirror is truly original."
Amie Rose Rotruck, Children's Literature

"Highly recommended . . . Older readers will find this an engrossing, compelling fantasy."
Children’s Bookwatch

"Exciting debut . . . Harrison's "Mira, Mirror" follows in the new tradition of "Ella Enchanted"
Claire Martin, Denver Post

"The plot is rollicking and clever."
Diane Emge, VOYA

Awards:

Spirit 0f 76 Recommended Book List

"Borders Recommends" List

Association of Mormon Letters
Honorable Mention
for Juvenile Books 2004

The Center for Children's Literature
"Too Good to Miss" List 2005

Utah Center for the Book
Letters for Literature
Level II 2005-2006 Winner

The Children's Bookstore
"Pick of the Month"
November/December 2004

Reviews:

"A highly readable first novel."
School Library Journal

"The writing style, together with the book’s trim length and large type, makes this a good choice for reluctant readers."
School Library Journal

"While the book is hopeful, it is tinged with resignation, feelings readers will understand and appreciate." Frances Bradburn, Booklist

"In this stunning first novel, Harrison takes you inside the thoughts of a young girl, forced to face a world filled with adult problems. You'll find yourself running along with her every step of the way."
LuAnn Staheli, The ALAN Review

Awards:

! ! ! ! Exceptional Rating by:
Today’s Books

One of Bank Street’s Best
Children’s Books for 2004