Sunday, November 22, 2009

Anatopsis by Chris Abouzeid

Princess Anatopsis and Prince Barnaby come from rival Magical families. In the last year before the final wizard tests, a demigod tutor, Mr. Pound, insists that the two study together - a traditional requirement that has been enforced for generations. Ana and her human companion, Clarissa, and Barnaby with his dog, Uno, get off to a rocky start. Complicating matters is that neither Ana nor Barnaby wishes to inherit their family corporations. But, more importantly, they discover that Mr. Pound's requirements are part of a larger plan and hidden agenda which threatens the world as they know it. Resentments, personal preferences, and frustrations must all be put aside if everything is to be set to rights - and there are no guarantees for a happy ending.


I expected this book to be rather fluffy, but instead, this book is fairly serious, creating a fantastical alternate reality that explores human nature, dreams, discrimination, and sacrifice. Some of the plot points seemed a little more convoluted than necessary and a bit confusing at times, but overall, the issues within the story definitely come through. The main characters are well-developed and identifiable, though I did not always find it easy to sympathize with them. In general = if you're looking for a light-hearted book with a satisfying ending, this is not the one to pick up. Fantasy fans - particularly older teens - who are looking for something more thought-provoking or serious may consider trying this one out.



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