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!
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