Book Review by Aarene Storms: Enchanted

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Sunday Woodcutter is the seventh daughter of a seventh son--destined for magic. Sunday's magical talent manifests itself in her story writing: the tales she writes tend to come true, sometimes with unfortunate consequences. To avoid creating catastrophe, she begins telling her stories to a sympathetic friend ... one who just happens to be a talking frog.

This charming story is a blend of many familiar fairy tales and folk themes including an evil stepmother, an enchanted prince, a pirate queen, a giant-killer, magical beans, dancing shoes, and true love. The old stereotypes are remixed into complex, enjoyable characters, and the story twists and turns and twists again before settling down into a satisfactory "happily-ever-after" end.

Rating:

No sex, no drugs, some fighting but no gore. And (of course) there are some very important kisses!

Recommended for readers ages 12 to adult. Potential for sequels, but this book stands alone nicely.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS