Book Review: "The King in the Window" by Adam Gopnik

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When Oliver looks into a mirror with a toy crown on, he unknowingly makes himself the King of the Mirrors. Armed with a glass sword and a bubble wand, he is informed that it is his job to defeat the Master of Mirrors, who steals souls through mirrors.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Oliver is an American boy who lives in Paris with his parents. He likes it, but still misses his best friend, Charlie. At first he doesn't quite believe that he is the new king, but eventually he realizes that he must embrace it, with all of the dangers.

Charlie is Oliver's best friend. He is tech savvy and bold, quite the opposite of Oliver. He easily adapts to living in Paris on his visit and makes friends quick. Although he doesn't believe his friend at first, eventually he comes to help him.

Neige is the daughter of the woman who looks after the building that Oliver's family lives in. She is rather blunt, and often rude. But Oliver has known her for years and tolerates her attitude. She agrees to help him on his quest to defeat the Master of Mirrors.

Mrs Pearson is an older, British woman who Oliver goes to for information. His father tells him about her, and he realizes she must know a lot about the seventeenth century. She also knows about the Master of Mirrors and has a deep connection to that world.

PACING

The pacing isn't exactly fast. Oliver spends a lot of time trying to explain things, like the Way, and how time works. Charlie explains the theory of multiverses. There were sometimes when I was tempted to skim over them, as some explanations were hard to understand.

RIDDLES

When Oliver meets Nostradamus, he learns that the man is cursed to talk in riddles, even though he is a prophet. Oliver asks various questions but none of the answers seem to make sense. Gopnik does a good job of planting these seeds and allowing them to make sense in time.

THE CHOSEN ONE

The story takes the idea of the chosen one, and turns it on it's head. Oliver learns that he wasn't chosen for any real reason. His expectations are dashed. He is not special. He is not chosen. But he has the chance to be a hero now and do what's right.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART

When Mrs. Pearson meets with Oliver to give him advice on how to defeat the master of Mirrors, she asks him he plans to defeat them. This is one of the best scenes in the book. Oliver grabs from pop culture, saying that he must have been chosen, so he should use his instincts, go beyond his conscious mind, basically follow his heart and it should lead him to victory. Because his heart must be true...or something.

Mrs. Pearson goes off on him, asking him if he intends to defeat evil by not thinking. I wanted to applaud her speech. She basically explains that Oliver must work hard, think hard, and give up any notions of some easy win.

NEIGE

It is revealed early on that Oliver has a crush on Neige. I never quite got why. She was pretty but not a very likable character as she doesn't feel quite real. When she reveals how her and her mother or on two sides of a war, she sounds seriously screwed up. But we never dive into her character, so we just assume there is nothing to her. She is bossy and shows little emotion. Also she is judgmental against Americans, and calls Charlie an idiot.

The problem is, she never develops. She never learns that she is wrong about Americans, maybe too judgmental, and to express herself. I felt completely indifferent to her the entire story.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

Gopnik ties his own story to a classic that most readers love, me included, “Alice in Wonderland”. I was surprised how well this was done. We've already seen the original story tried to make darker by Tim Burton, which always felt so contrived to me. And although Gopnik does reference the story, he doesn't live and die by this. In fact, we don't even learn about the connection to the mirror world and Lewis Carol until much later in the story.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

There are a few swear words.

CONCLUSION

Gopnik paints a story that is original and amusing. But the long explanations can get tedious and really slow the pace of the story, and Neige was a rather dull, unlikable character that never developed. I give “The King in the Window” three and a half stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "The Last Dragon" by Silvana De Mari

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Yorsh is a young elf who knows nothing of the real world. However, he meets a young man and woman who try their best to keep him out of trouble. Chaos and hilarity ensue. Along the way he meets a dragon and ends up being his caretaker. But Yorsh knows he cannot live alone in a cave forever. So he sets off to find his old friends, and a wife. He ends up meeting a young girl named Robi, who lives in an orphanage. Her life is forever changed when she is accused of being a witch and sent to die. But Yorsh won't let that happen.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Yorsh the main character of the first part of the story. He is an elf and has a happy-go-lucky, whimsical nature. Being one that was born lately, he doesn't quite comprehend the danger he gets in. He knows nothing of people, and has a habit of talking too much. Also, he can be quite dramatic, his emotions changing fast and being prone to outbursts.

Sarja is the women who first comes across Yorsh. She finds him amusing but troubling. Eventually she comes to care for him through his kind actions.

Monser is the hunter who comes across Sarja and Yorsh, and feels inexplicably drawn towards them. He, like Sarja, finds Yorsh amusing but sometimes annoying. He is blunt and rather sarcastic at times.

Robi is the daughter of Sarja and Monser. She lives on the dream that a dragon and a boy are going to save her but tells no one. She is kind and somewhat of a leader among the children of the orphanage she lives in. She has mastered the art of stealing in order to feed herself and others.

Erbrow is the dragon that Yorsh has helped raise. He is condescending, arrogant, and yet somehow charming. He complains often, and boasts of his greatness even more so. Although he seems self-absorbed, it is obvious he cares about Yorsh, as he accompanies the elf on his travels to help him find Sarja and Monser.

FORESHADOWING

Robi mentions the dream of a dragon saving her. It isn't revealed until much later that this is much more than a dream. And that Robi has a special role to play. There is a prophecy that Yorsh learns of in the first part, but it's not quite as simple as it seems. Especially since he didn't get to read the ending of it.

PACING

The book is in large part, a comedy. As such, there are long dialogues, and bouts of exposition, where we learn about Yorsh's day to day life, or simply realize just how odd he is. There are scenes of great excitement and chaos, for instance when Yorsh flies over the orphanage for the first time, but they are not the norm. Not that the book feels slow in any way, all of the scenes are used to push the story forward. It's just not an action/adventure novel.

THE MOOD/THEME

The book may cover serious issues, like racism, but it does so with a light touch and a surprisingly funny way. Yorsh never mopes around thinking that humans are evil and he is a victim. He never seeks revenge. He may think that humans are stupid but he does so in a naive and amusing way that makes you laugh. That's because there is no malice behind his beliefs.

The first half of the book had me laughing out loud, something I rarely ever do when reading. De Mari uses Yorsh's naivete and youth to get him into so much trouble. She isn't just a funny writer, I would say she is clever too, thinking of how Yorsh can mix up words and titles, and using his unique perspective to cause hilarious scenes.

OUR VILLAINS

The story doesn't have classical villains, not ones that we fight against, physically. The two owners of the orphanage are obnoxious and abusive, but they are far too comical to be considered a real threat. At least not to Yorsh. Although we do get a classic villain that leads us to a climax, he isn't introduced until near the end of the book. We don't learn quite enough about him except he seems insane. The story does not suffer for it, as much of the trouble in the first part is because humans don't like elves, and that Yorsh makes such a mess. And most of the trouble in the second part comes from Yorsh's search for Monser and Sarja, and his rescue of Robi.

MONSER & SARJA

Although I found the two characters likable enough, they were outshined by Yorsh. They weren't exactly distinct characters. Although both seemed to be intelligent, and have common sense, that really only stood out in juxtaposition to Yorsh. And although the characters are likable, it's mainly there caring for Yorsh that makes them so.

CONCLUSION

De Mari paints an original story, with humor and charm that is indelible. Her two main characters are likable, flawed, and develop into admirable heroes. They also have a sweet, innocent romance that is surprsing since their relationship starts out a bit rocky. I give “The Last Dragon” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "The Book of Story Beginnings" by Kristin Kladstrup

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Lucy Martin's nice life is changed when her father loses his job and her family moves to Iowa, to a house that her father has inherited. Lucy learns about how her ancestor, Oscar, disappeared in 1914 and the wild story that his mother told about him rowing away in a ocean where fields should have been. She learns about the power of the blank book after turning her father into a bird. Together, the two set out to find him in the land that was created by the book.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Lucy Martin isn't thrilled about her new home. But she is not self-absorbed, and is well aware of the issues between her parents. Doing her journey she and Oscar become close and she feels torn with having to send him home, even though he would be reunited with his family.

Oscar Martin dreams of being a writer and is rather creative. As a child, he wasn't that close to his father, who wanted him to be a farmer, while he was more like his mother. He quickly becomes friends with Lucy and decides to help her save her father. He struggles to come to terms with the fact that all of his family members have passed away.

Lucy's mother and father don't seem suited for each other. Her mother is a work-a-holic who gets easily stressed and has to have everything planned. Her father on the other hand, is rather laid back, disorganized, and whimsy.

King Bertrand and Queen Leona are both rather odd characters. Both have tempers, are spoiled, and are rather unforgiving. They do seem like characters from a child's story, as they are rather childlike themselves.

Tom is a cat who was once a boy. He was chosen to be the Wizard King's familiar. Although Oscar trusts him at first, it isn't long until he is suspicious of his motives.

PACING

The pacing is not fast, but it's not slow either. There are twenty-eight chapters in the book, and we get six until we meet Oscar, and twelve until we actually leave home and go on an adventure. But the time is used wisely, we learn about the alchemy Lavonne was studying, as well as how the potion Lucy's dad makes, works.

MOOD & THEME

The story is rather simple, and humor is used throughout. I found the interaction between Oscar and Captain Mack the most amusing. But I don't think humor can necessarily be called the theme.

The behavior of the king and queen is very childlike. Normally I would be annoyed by this, but it seemed obvious that the story was supposed to have been created by Oscar, a child. So if anything, I would say the mood of the story is childish and simple.

But the theme is sacrifice. Oscar sacrifices his safety so go on a journey with Lucy. Much time later on is spent pondering over another sacrifice Oscar may make. Lucy is awed by it.

THE PROBLEM OF TOM

The character of Tom causes a lot of trouble, and he may be my one critique. He seemed rather dumb and not worthy of so much time. I kept thinking that Oscar should have been able to outsmart him. Also, he never really gets punished.

LUCY'S TRANSFORMATION

Lucy gets turned into an animal in a large portion of the book, and I found it surprisingly entertaining. It was an original look to what it would be like to live by mere instincts. She often has to remember who she is, all over again, after forgetting. It was frustrating and interesting. I wanted to shout, you're Lucy! He's Oscar! Go get him!

ORIGINALITY & CHARACTERS

We have all had the idea of stepping into a story, but Kladstrup executes it in a simple, childlike tale, that has surprising depth when it comes to the two main characters. All of the other characters are simply storybook characters, but Oscar surprised me with his depth. He knew he may never go home, but still wanted to help Lucy, a girl he barely knew. They may have bonded slightly over the struggling relationships of their parents, but it's really their conversations that made the book so unique to me.

As for Lucy, she learns to become much more selfless and caring. Oscar brought out the best in her, and in the last pages of the book, when they have their last discussion about Oscar going home or staying in the present, I was amazed. There was more depth and strength of character than in many romantic relationships I have read of. And they were just two kids.

CONCLUSION

Kladstrup manages to make an original story with likable characters who develop and face real issues, even in a fairy tale story. She manages to balance the silly with the serious, the simplicity of the story with the clarity of meaning.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" By Avi

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When Charlotte Doyle stays on for school in Great Britain, she has to take a later ship to return home to America. Assured that she will have other young people to spend the long journey with, she is confused to discover she is the only passenger on the ship. Charlotte trust the captain, a clean-cut man who seem respectable and distrusts the shabby crew. But when events lead her to realize she has made a terrible error in judgment, Charlotte has to make a major change. But even if she does, can she survive the trip?

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Charlotte Doyle has lived a safe, sheltered life with her parents. She has always been taken cared of, and at thirteen, we would expect that. She is rather shallow, judging people merely on appearances. She even thinks if she talks to the crew, she is somehow bettering them. She eventually realizes her faults and develops into a selfless and brave hero. The change is believable because it occurs only after dramatic circumstances and Charlotte displays fear and a lack of belief in herself throughout the story.

Zachariah is the only black man on the crew as well as the oldest, he takes Charlotte aside and tries to warn her of coming troubles. He gives her a knife but she is disgusted by it. Eventually she learns to like him and they become friends. Although that friendship is tested later on.

Captain Jaggery is neatly dressed, well spoken, and makes an excellent impression on Charlotte. Although it seems obvious to the reader that he says all of the right things and is a bit...too perfect.

PACING-SPOILERS

The pacing is fast from the beginning. Before even the first chapter, we get a preface where we learn straight up that Charlotte will be accused of murder and found guilty. From there the book starts and we are taken immediately to the Seahawk. The book flows fast, switching between suspense and action so the reader is never bored.

FORESHADOWING

There are clues right away that the Captain is not who he seems. Those felt very obvious. Charlotte learns where the guns are stored in Jaggery's quarters. This is crucial later on.

The more subtle acts of foreshadowing were in the narration. Multiple chapters end with giving us hints that something is going to happen in the future, we just don't know what. For instance at one ending, Charlotte says she wanted to never use the dagger she was given, but it was not to be.

STRUCTURE

The plot is split into two parts. The events that lead to a major event and discovery of Charlotte's, and everything that happens afterwards. In a sense, there are two Charlottes, a different in each part. In that aspect, the plot feels very much like a story of character development.

AN OBVIOUS VILLAIN

It's quite obvious that Jaggery isn't who claims to be. He says all the right things. When she first comes to meet him, he is reading his Bible. Really. I suppose this is meant to sharpen the contrast between who Charlotte is and who she is to become. But I would rather have had the Captain seem more convincing. At least for a moment.

ODD COMMENTARY

There are few moments in the book where Avi seems to want to point out the restrictions placed upon girls by Charlotte's society. But he often does it clumsily, pulling us out of the story and reminding us that the author is a twenty-first century male. Charlotte points out her whole life she has been trained to be obedient and cannot just change so she is led to her room. What was she supposed to do? Have a tantrum? She is on a ship and cannot get off. It feels unnatural for her to phrase it as such. She is a child. Of course she is used to doing as she is told. Luckily, these awkward comments are few.

CHARLOTTE'S FAMILY-SPOILERS

When Charlotte returns home the reaction from her family is not expected. Although she only references her father in the beginning of the story, it seems nothing is amiss. Charlotte seems to be fond of both her parents and they of her. And she says multiple times that her father would stand by her decisions. So the insane way her father reacts seems unbelievable.

He seems to have no thought to the fact his daughter should be dead or that she is not prone to lies and a sudden change in character seems unlikely. The mother has no part at all. She says nothing.

I understand that the author wanted Charlotte to realize she had been liberated from the restraints of her society. But he didn't have to make her parents seem psychotic to do so. Her mother could have easily showed her affection and genuine worry about what she went through and might even believe her and confide to her in secret. She could have explained they were not to talk about it to anyone else. Her father could have simply been harsh about keeping quiet.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

A man is shot and bleeds to death. Another is whipped. There are a few swear words.

CONCLUSION

Avi paints a fast paced story full of suspense and a likable heroine with a believable character arc. I give “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "Flight of the Dragon Kyn" by Susan Fletcher

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Before Kaeldra there was the girl of legend, the green-eyed Kara. After she was abandoned in a cave as a baby, thought dead, she was revived. And now she has the ability to call birds. When the king's men arrive, Kara is forced to leave for an unknown task. While at the castle Kara is given a white falcon named Skava, and learns how to communicate better with birds with the help of a man named Corwyn. But then she is summoned and is tasked to call the dragons so they can be slayed.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Kara is rebellious, calling down birds when she goes of alone to not bother others. She is much more bold and assertive than Kaeldra was. She adores birds and quickly bonds with Skava. Originally, she wants to go home, then she daydreams of being a hero. However, when she makes a horrible mistake, her convictions lead her to risk her own life.

Kazan is a trader of birds and a traveler who can build ships. Kara believes he would use her gift to his advantage to make money. Because of this, their relationship is stalled throughout the first half of the book. Although he spends time with Corwyn and his daughter, as well as her in the mew. He tries various times to befriend her but Kara doesn't want to like him.

Corwyn is rather strict and intimidating at first but eventually reveals a softer side. He adores his only daughter, Myrra and teaches Kara how he trains the falcons.

King Orrik is stubborn and fierce. He and his younger brother, Prince Rog, do not seem to get along.

Prince Rog is the one who comes to get Kara. He doesn't treat her with respect, and upon arriving he openly shows his disbelief at her abilities. He often argues with his sister, Gudjen and his older brother, the king.

Gudjen is the King's sister. She is bold and dramatic, and sometimes manipulative. But it is she who allows Kara to spend her time with the falcon. She often comes to Kara's defense.

PACING

There is only one chapter before Kara has to leave home. She spends the first portion of the book merely in the king's home and that time is slower. Similar to the first book, it's after chapter ten that the story picks up and the suspense and action increases. After a short portion of slower pacing, we get back to speed with the beginning of the climax.

STRUCTURE

Similar to the first book in this series, the first portion of the book is used to introduce Kara's character as well as to makes friends with Corwyn, Rath, Myrrah and Skava. These relationships are created and key to later in the book. The second portion goes from suspense to action and back to suspense. Kara comes to a realization that changes everything. She attempts to change her fate but gets herself in more trouble. After some time she has to return to where she started, at the king's castle. From there the climax starts.

FORESHADOWING

Gudjen takes Kara to the bath house and uses steam to foretell of dragons and a mountain, similar to the way Granmyrr used clay. Kara see's the mountains and the dragons later, but notes this doesn't seem like her vision. She sees a second vision, that references back to the first book.

Also, Kara learns that she can not only make birds come, but direct them to go. This is important much later in the book.

FLASHBACKS

In Chapter four, Kara explains the story about her and tells a story of when she first learned others could not call birds. It's a short story that gives us insight into her character and doesn't distract us from the present.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

Prince Rog gets in an argument with his brother where he says he would already have Signy and be bedding her every night.

CONCLUSION

Kara is likable because of her boldness to stand up to a bully like Rog, as well as her convictions after she realizes she makes a terrible mistake. The story is well paced and original. I give “Flight of the Dragon Kyn” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "Dragon's Milk" by Susan Fletcher

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When Kaeldra's little sister gets ill with the vermillion fever she is sent to find the only cure—dragon's milk. When she finds the dragon, she barters for the milk by promising to watch the dragon's babies for her. She does this every month for a long period of time until her sister is completely cured. But trouble brews when Jeorg arrives, a dragon slayer. Eventually Kaeldra has to take the dragons and run. But she is hunted and doesn't know who she can trust.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Kaeldra is the adopted daugter of Ryfenn. She thinks if she were blood, than maybe her stepmother would love her. Kaeldra is not like others of her race, having curly blonde hair, while other have straight black hair. She is also tall and gangly, taller then even many men. She is not bold, but rather shy and self-conscious. Although terrified, she still goes to find the dragon milk for Lyf. Granmyrr has to encourage her when she is too afraid to protect the draclings.

Jeorg is the young man part of a dragon slayer council. He is friendly and charming and is quickly endeared to the younger sisters. Kaeldra runs into him on her travels but doesn't think she can trust him.

Synge, Pyro, and Embyr are the dragons that Kaeldra grows close to. Their characteristics are similar to cats the way they curls up and lay on her and thrum, like purring. Also they are like dogs the way they are so enthusiastic and playful. They are protective of Kaeldra and would kill to keep her safe. They can communicate telepathically with her and she with them.

Fiora is the mother of the draclings. She has no love for humans, and threatens to find and kill Kaeldra if she does not keep her word and watch the draclings. She is blunt, harsh and skeptical of Kaeldra, often laughing at her.

Granmyr is much more like a mother to Kaeldra than her stepmother. She has the ability to work small magic and see where dragons are through the use of clay.

PACING

The pacing is decent although it's not until chapter three that Kaeldra learns that her sister is ill. Only after that does she go to find the dragon. The pacing is slower in the first ten chapters of the book. But Fletcher uses the time before to establish not just the problem but frame us a solution. She also clearly shows us who our main character is. And she gives us seven chapters for Kaeldra, as well as the reader to learn about and bond with the draclings. She also creates suspense and tension with Jeorg and Kaeldra. From there the story's structure goes more from action to suspense and back again.

When Kaeldra has to flee the story really takes off. When she isn't all out running from someone she is often hiding, or wondering who she can trust. The book balances action with suspense well.

STRUCTURE

There are 26 chapters in the book, and the first part of the story we introduce our main character, her first problem, and how to solve it. After she solves it she gets another problem, and has to flee.

The middle portion is mostly Kara on the run. It ends with her being taken away from her goal but eventually succeeding. From there the climax starts.

I think the story is balanced well. The beginning portion is long enough to get to know our main characters but short enough not to impede on the action of the plot.

FORESHADOWING

Kaeldra hears a scream at night that wakes her, but only her and Granmyrr notice it. This gives hints that Kaeldra has gifts we don't yet know of. Granmyrr has the ability to use clay to show hints of the future. She shows Kaeldra dragon eggs hatching. Jeorg reveals important information about the dragons that comes into play at the climax.

AN ATTACK -SPOILERS

There is a scene where Kaeldra senses that wolves are attacking the draclings. She goes to protect them and does so by throwing rocks at them. I don't think rocks would deter wolves. Fletcher vaguely references many large birds attacking the wolves and bothering them. So I gather that's what really put them off, but this isn't mentioned until they back off. I know if I threw a rock and hit even a half-grown wolf, it would probably just pull my throat out. This is just one small scene but I took note of it after rereading the story.

THE CLIMAX

My only criticism is near the climax, it's quite obvious that something is wrong and that Kaeldra is being deceived about something. And she seems to know it, but she naively ignores these suspicions. I was screaming the whole time, you know this isn't right! I think she should have matured enough to go with her gut. It was important that this bad event happened, but I thought there might have been a better way. Maybe tricking the reader somehow to believe it.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

Kaeldra meets a man who own an apothecary, he admits that he has cheated on his wife and has a few kids on the side.

CONCLUSION

Fletcher creates a fast paced story that's original and has a likable main character. I give “Dragon's Milk” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "Princess Academy" by Shannon Hale

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

The girls of Mount Eskel have their lives disrupted when an envoy of the king announces that it has been divined by their Priests that the future bride of Danland will come from here. All the girls are forced away from their homes and their work and taken to be trained to be girls worthy of royalty. Among them is Miri, who struggles to find her place with girls who hold grudges, and a teacher that is harsh and unfair.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Miri is smaller than most girls her age and was not sent to work with the other girls in the mountain village. Because of this, she feels rather useless. When she is sent to the academy she is the odd girl out, as the others know each other better. Her rebellious nature causes trouble and she stubbornly pretends not to care if she is alone. But in reality she longs for friends and to be forgiven. Because of this she is easy to relate to.

Britta didn't grow up in the village and is somewhat a mystery to Miri. She claimed to be able to read before but Miri wonders if she lied about that. Because she seems to struggle along with the other girls.

Katar is rather a teacher's pet and a leader of the girls. She dislikes Miri when she rebels and when she gets attention for learning to read so well. Katar eventually opens up to Miri, and we learn about why she is so disagreeable. Miri even does her a huge favor.

Pedar is Miri's best friend and love interest. Because the majority of the story is spent at the academy he isn't in it a lot. But Hale does a decent job showing his relationship with Miri through flashbacks and conversations they share.

Olana is the teacher for the girls. She is strick and rather harsh, punishing the girls by putting them in a closet or hitting them their hands with a ruler. Eventually, the girls earn her respect.

PACING

The book is not an action book, although there is a portion that is suspense and action, near the climax. Most of the story covers what the girls' learn at the academy, the punishments they endure and the relationships that Miri tries to form. While reading it struck me that long portions of time are covered in the same paragraph. This actually sped the pace of the story. I was eager to learn if Miri would be able to get forgiven, or unharden her heart to ask for forgiveness, herself. And if what Miri learns will truly effect her people.

CHARACTER-DRIVEN

Like most character-driven plots, the story places more time on the forming and breaking of relationships as well as character development. Miri struggles with her loneliness when the girls exclude her. She feels useless being so small and unable to work in the quarry. She doubts Pedar likes her and that her father loves her. She is unsure if she really wants to be a princess. Eventually, she develops a relationship with another girl named Britta, and she grows bold as she acquires knowledge. She eventually becomes a leader and this helps her defeat an unexpected foe.

FORESHADOWING

When Miri goes home and see's her family she realizes her sister wished she could have gone to the academy. This plants a seed that comes to fruition near the end of the story. We learn that Mount Eskel isn't a province, just a territory of Danland. So they don't even have a delegate. This information seems unimportant but actually gives Miri an amazing opportunity to be kind later on. Britta reveals she doesn't feel welcome with her new family but doesn't miss her father or mother. She doesn't explain why. This is the second hint we get that Britta has a secret.

THE CLIMAX

Hale takes a story that is mostly free of action and still gives us a suspense-filled climax. She allows her heroine to fully develop, not only leading the girls' escape but to discover what she wants in life. This clarity allows her to risk her own life.

CONCLUSION

Hale presents not only an original story and likable characters, but a suspenseful climax as well. I give “Princess Academy” four and a half stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "Just Ella" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

We all know the story of Cinderella. But this author asks the question, what if Cinderella didn't live happily ever after? What if she discovered life in the palace was not at all what she expected? What if the prince wasn't so charming after all?

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Ella isn't like the Cinderella we know. She sneaked to the ball just to spite her stepmother and didn't put much thought into to it. She realizes her lack of thought and as the story progresses she grows as she realizes this isn't a life she wants. Her character development is definitely a strength of the story.

Jed ends up teaching Ella the rules of the state religion. But they spend more time getting to know each other and Ella discovers that only he will talk to her as an equal and be honest with her.

Mary is a young servant girl who becomes friends with Ella. She is only other person besides Jed who is honest and forthright with Ella.

Prince Charming is not in the story much. But when his personality is revealed...it's shocking.

Madame Bisset is the woman who oversees every aspect of Ella's new life. She is commanding, stern and unbending and it's later revealed she wasn't always a noble who worked in the palace.

FLASHBACKS

There is one use of a flashback as Ella tells Jed the true story about who she really is. This takes of two chapters that are not short, but not dull either. We get a little insight into Ella's past life.

MOOD/THEME

If I could put my finger on a mood, I'd day: absurdity. It sounds weird, but from the first page, we learn of the insane rules that royalty must follow and we want to scream. When we see who the prince really is and how he reacts to Ella's announcements. When Ella gets to finally go outside and see a tournament. We start to feel as though she is living in an asylum.

LANGUAGE

I am assuming this fairy tale takes place in a land long ago, and the speech should probably be more formal, since most other aspects of the story reflect history. Like woman not being able to read, people not marrying outside their social class, and traditions and standards being strictly enforced. In this culture, a few phrases seem glaringly out of place, like Ella thinking, I gave him my “you've got to be kidding, look.” And when they first meet, Jed keeps saying “dang” which feels a little out of place as well making him sound like an American hick rather than a teacher of nobles and royalty.

REBEL ELLA

In the flashback, Haddix tries to paint Ella not just a servant, but a rebel as well. But it comes across a bit awkwardly as Ella lectures her stepmother from her first line. She comes across as holier-than-thou, instead of spirited. Also, when she see's her stepmother one last time, she says she hopes that “She dies in her own filth”. These lines just feel forced and make Ella seem slightly obnoxious in these scenes. Luckily, they are few. Ella's anger is understandable, but we want our heroine to be someone we can admire. Not a girl who takes her anger, holds onto it until death, and excitedly expresses it.
To be fair though, Ella does note later that her anger might have been foolish. It's just that it could have been expressed in a way that felt more natural and less obnoxious.

CHARACTER DRIVEN

I would say this is another story that is character-driven, instead of plot-driven. I have discovered a pattern with these stories. They often have less action and more time in conversation or thought, making discoveries that change a character and force growth. Although there is some action in the last part of the book and plenty of suspense halfway through the story. It's Ella's development that pushes the story forward.

She notes the absurdity of palace life and it causes problems.

She realizes she was only infatuated with the prince and that pushes the story forward.

It's her decision to rebel and use the strength she bottled up against her stepmother, that pushes the story forward.

Every turn the story takes is because of her decisions.

BISSET AND THE PRINCE

Neither character is delved in too deeply although there are hints that there is more to them than meets the eye. Haddix hints that Bisset is more than meets the eye when she tells Ella that “she won't mess everything up for her”. Ella wonders how she became this way and who she used to be. Because she is more of villain in the book than her stepmother, I wish we could have learned more of her. I wish Ella would have asked. I could easily see Bisset telling her just to make her grateful for her position as the prince's fiance.

EVIL IS STUPID

A character introduced to guard Ella is supposedly a criminal, and is presented as an animal with little intelligence. It came across more as comically creepy than frightening. It really lacked dimension, as though to do something truly awful, one must be an imbecile. He is a minor character, but it would have helped the story if he had shown some intelligence.

ELLA AND BEAUTY

Ella seems confused as to why beauty is important to people. To her, it's an annoyance. She recalls a boy who wouldn't leave her alone. I thought this view was rather unrealistic. I think the story would have been better served if Ella, like the majority of girls, simply didn't believe she is pretty. When you see the same face everyday, it's easy to notice flaws that no one else sees. I was surprised she didn't take this angle. It seemed obvious that most readers would find a girl who complains about how men think she is pretty, is rather far-fetched. Luckily, this subject is only briefly touched upon.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

Ella makes multiple references to her father only marrying her stepmother for sexual reasons.
When Ella meets a guard it is implied that he will rape her if she disobeys.

CONCLUSION

Even with my criticisms, I think the characters are mostly likable, and the story is original and interesting. I give “Just Ella” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "The Salamander Spell" by E.D. Baker

A SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Before Emma, Grassina hasn't yet come into her magic. She sneaks around trying to learn about her sisters' magic lessons. When her mother is affected by a curse when exposed to flowers, she makes Grassina and her sister's lives terrible. They spend their days doing errands for her until something terrible happens that pushes Grassina to run away. Eventually she meets a strange boy named Haywood and discovers she has her own magical abilities. But she has to face werewolves who are terrifying the land, since no one else can.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Grassina is clever and adventurous, much like Emma. She doesn't much fit the idea of a princess and has spent her childhood sneaking off into the swamp. She hates her red hair and freckles and wishes she looked like her sister instead. Although it is believed that the first born will be the green witch, she still has an interest in magic.

Chartreuse is beautiful and surrounded by suitors who shower her with attention. She is rather romantic and wants a prince who will woo her like her father wooed her mother. It's this aspect that makes her seem a little like a bimbo. She is also dramatic and easily annoyed by Grassina.

Queen Olivene was originally kind and caring, but when the curse transforms her she becomes easily annoyed and has a habit of turning her daughters into animals as punishment.

Haywood is a young, brave boy who went to live in the forest for unknown reasons. Although at first he seems annoyed with Emma, he quickly grows to admire and care for her. He provides her with food and shelter.

FORESHADOWING

We get a couple of hints about Grassina's abilities. When her mother gets affected by the curse. Grassina senses that something is different, seconds before the curse occurs. The second hint is when she find's Haywood's Island, and he points out she shouldn't be able to. Obviously, he had a magical barrier of some sort and it had no effect on Grassina.

PACING

The big is essentially divided into two parts, the first part being how Grassina copes with how the curse affected her mother. This mainly involves her doing different tasks assigned to her, but this also shows the relationship between her and Chartreuse. I was anxious to get to meeting Haywood, and was surprised by this structure.

The second part is when Grassina departs home and meets Haywood. This is actually the smaller section of the book. The book has eighteen chapters, and we don't meet him until chapter ten.

The pacing of the story picks up a bit after this, where we encounter a creature called a vali, werewolves, and a manticore.

TWO SISTERS

Although Chartreuse and Grassina seem at odds throughout most of the book, they still rely on each other for a good portion of the story. Grassina notes they used to best friends before Chartreuse began training as the green witch. I wish this subject was approached and discussed between the two of them.

And although Grassina makes a valiant effort to be friends, Chartreuse eventually reacts to a scary event out of proportion, and blames Grassina for all of her problems. From there, there isn't a reconciliation. Of course, we know how their relationship is in the future from the Frog Princess books. But we also know that Haywood will become an otter, but that isn't shown. And the story ends on a positive note, but that's understandable.

MOOD

Two large events of the story affect Grassina in profoundly negative ways, but the book still manages a whimsical atmosphere. Grassina has a lot of clever lines she uses against her sister. A group of spiders are dramatic and amusing and the snake Pippa always serves to lighten any mood. I found her much more charming than Lil the bat.

CONCLUSION

Baker does a good job of showing how life was like for Grassina in her youth. As well as why her and Chartreuse don't get along very well in the future. I give “The Salamander Spell” three and a half stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!