I just finished reading "Princess Academy: Palace of Stone."  While it's been a few years since I read the original "Princess Academy" book, I still felt a kinship with the characters, especially the main character, Miri.  In this book, Miri and some of the other "ladies of the princess" leave their homes in the mountains and journey to the capital, Asland, to help their friend Britta prepare for her wedding to Prince Steffan.  As Miri becomes aware of the poverty in Asland and begins to feel some sympathy for the revolutionary ideas of her new friends, she faces some big decisions.  While she cares deeply for Britta, is it possible that the monarchy should be toppled, for the greater good?  Follow Miri as she continues to grow up and find what it means to truly follow your heart.