Book Reviews

I thought I'd tell you about two books I read recently, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. First is The Princess Curse, by Merrie Haskell, and second was Witchlanders by Lena Coakley.

The Princess Curse is a retelling of the fairytale "Twelve Dancing Princesses" with a lot of mythology (Persephone among others) and medieval history. But it doesn't feel heavy! It's a very sprightly, enjoyable tale that follows Reveka, a girl who is determined to make her own future by breaking the "silly curse" that affects the twelve princesses of the kingdom. But as Reveka comes to understand the ramifications of the curse, she realizes it is far more serious than she ever imagined. With the aid of a kindly maid, her father's apprentice, and others, Reveka embarks on a quest to save both her kingdom, and the underworld realm she discovers. This was the third retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses story I've read recently, and I liked it the best. Reveka was a believable heroine who had strong motives and a realistic ability to succeed in her mission. I look forward to the potential sequel. This story is one I would recommend especially to younger teens, who enjoy historical fiction or fantasy.

Witchlanders is a slightly longer story, more intense and darker in tone. Ryder's mother is a witch, and since his father's death, her strange behavior has disturbed and worried him. Now she is determined to summon the members of her old coven, because she has had a vision she cannot interpret. But Ryder soon discovers that nearly everything he has been taught about his country, his mother's history, and witchcraft, is wrong. And when he meets a mysterious stranger from the hated nation of Baen, his whole view of the world may have to change... if he is going to be able to save the lives of his sisters, his village, and perhaps his entire people! I would recommend Witchlanders (and the possible sequels) to anyone, teens or adults, who likes fantasy with believable characters, good worldbuilding, and ambivalent villains.