Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Now that Ella has landed Prince Charming, left her stepmother and stepsisters behind, and moved into the palace, she's just waiting for the "happily ever after" to begin. Unfortunately, the time before the wedding is filled with days of tedium and tutors to help her learn religion, history, etiquette, and even "how to interact with servants." But it will all be worth it once she and Charming get married and start their life together...won't it?

This was an interesting retelling about what happens after the "end" of the fairy tale. It was a quick read and not too predictable, with good characterization. The only thing I found disappointing was that there isn't much of a resolution at the end (somewhat understandable given the premise of the story); if you're bothered by book endings that are not conclusive, you may want to skip this one. However, I would recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy slightly odd retellings of fairy tales or books about strong female characters.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Princess Academy, Black Pearls, A Kiss in Time, or The Seer and the Sword

A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

This story is actually a series of retellings of the original Grimm fairy tales with commentary by a narrator. The stories are all connected by the main characters, Hansel and Gretel, who leave home after their father cuts off their heads (and their mother is ok with it) and then find a witch in a house made of cake. But it doesn't end there; Hansel and Gretel travel far and wide, staying with several families, going on adventures, and even going to Hell and back. But all they really want to find are parents that love them and a home where they can be happy...

Although I generally prefer lighter versions of fairy tales, this was certainly an interesting retelling of Hansel and Gretel as well as several lesser-known stories. As retellings of the original Grimm stories, this book is quite a bit more violent and bloody than most fairy tales, though the author doesn't focus significantly on gore and it's a fairly quick read. The narrator has a strong presence, so if you're bothered by frequent interruptions of the plot or editorial interjections, you may want to pass on this book. I would recommend this to younger teens and fantasy fans who are looking for more unusual retellings of fairy tales or stories that are a little less fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Poison, The Wish List, The Last Apprentice,or Black Pearls

The Prophecy by Hilari Bell

Prince Perryn's land is being attacked by a dragon and all of his father's armies are barely keeping it from overrunning the land. Perryn is supposed to be training to be the next warrior-king, but he'd rather be a scholar. His interest in books is scorned by his father, even when he finally finds what he's been searching for - a prophecy to destroy the dragon. When no one will listen, Perryn sets out on his own; he's on the run from his father's army and the traitor in the court who wants him dead...but he's determined to prove once and for all that he has what it takes, even if it isn't the traditional sort of strength.


This was a cute book. The story was somewhat predictable, but just different enough from the 'norm' that it was entertaining and engaging. I also enjoyed the characters and variety of personalities (and not just of the humans). I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy fans - particularly younger teens or anyone looking for a story that's light-hearted without being terribly fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Once Upon a Marigold, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Dark Lord of Derkholm, or The Last Apprentice

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Stories by Gail Carson Levine & Half-Human edited by Bruce Coville


The Fairy's Return and other Princess Stories is actually a collection of novellas which are all published separately as The Princess Tales: The Fairy's Mistake, The Princess Test, Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep, Cinderellis and the Glass Hill, For Biddle's Sake, and The Fairy's Return. All of these stories are retellings or reminiscent of fairy tales set in a fictional kingdom. I enjoyed this book; the stories are short enough to read quickly and then put down, but longer than most 'short stories.' The plots are definitely creative and interesting takes on fairytale elements although the stories do seem to be geared toward younger readers and are not very sophisticated or complex. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers who enjoy fairy tales or who are looking for short, quick reads.


Half-Human is a collection of short stories about 'half-humans' including gorgons, mermaids, selkies, and even a tree that becomes a man by authors including Bruce Coville, Tamora Pierce, Gregory Maguire and Jane Yolen. I really love this book; the stories are all short enough to read in a few minutes, but they are interesting and well-written. I would absolutely recommend this book to fantasy fans - particularly if you're short on time and need something that you can read in snippets of time. Almost all of them are about half-human children living in the 'real world' so readers who enjoy books about fantasy in the midst of today's world should definitely pick this one up.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, The Immortals series, Once Upon a Marigold, or The Frog Princess

Heroics for Beginners by John Moore

This novel is a parody of fairy tales (borrowing liberally from popular culture and favorite stories) which looks at the 'real life' side. At the beginning, several suitors are vying for the hand of Princess Rebecca of Deserae - but all of this comes to an end when the kingdom's Ancient Artifact (a Model Seven) gets stolen by an Evil Overlord. Lord Voltmeter (He Who Must Be Named) has plans to use the Artifact to power his Diabolical Device and take over the twenty kingdoms. Prince Kevin Timberline from Rassendas has decided to get the Artifact back so that he can marry Becky. Armed with The Handbook of Practical Heroics, Kevin heads off to the Village of Angst and starts scouting a way into the Fortress of Doom (open Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM with extended hours for the ventilation shaft) on his quest to save the day.

I have to say that this is an amusing, if irreverent story. The characters are certainly interesting and the plot follows a predictable, if twisted path. Any fans of the list 'The Top 100 Things I'd Do If I Ever Became an Evil Overlord' and similar writings/lists/etc. will certainly enjoy the quotations from The Handbook of Practical Heroics and the efforts of all of the characters to anticipate 'traditional' problems that storytale heroes run into. It is important that readers understand that the story is not serious in any way, shape, or form - it's fun, but it isn't for everyone or for every mood. That said, I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy fans.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Dark Lord of Derkholm, The Wish List, or Flora Segunda

Once Upon a Marigold and The Frog Princess

My own, personal philosophy is that when things get stressful, there's nothing like a good kid's book to help refocus the mind. Books classified as 'junior' fiction are quick reads (so they don't take up too much of the time that you don't have) and they're usually a little fluffier and take less energy. In this spirit, here are a couple pretty good books written for young teens.

The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker tells the story of Princess Emeralda who finds a talking frog in the swamp near the castle. He claims to be Prince Eadric from a nearby kingdom and says he's been turned into a frog for questioning the fashion sense of a witch. When she finally decides that it can't hurt to kiss him and see what happens, she discovers just how much it can hurt because he stays a frog, but she turns into one, too! Emma must learn to live as a frog as the two of them embark on an adventure to become human again.

This was a cute little story - some of the elements of plot were a bit predictable, especially regarding the characters, although the story as a whole was interesting. I liked the characters for the most part, especially the different sorts of animals that they encounter. There was quite a bit of variety, and the author did a good job of dealing with a human character who suddenly had to adapt to life as a frog. I have just discovered that it's a series (with at least four books) and I don't think I liked it enough to read all of them - a younger reader would probably enjoy them - but it was definitely worth a quick read for a change of pace.

In Once Upon a Marigold, Jean Ferris introduces Christian, a young boy who runs away from home to live in the forest with Ed, a troll. As Christian grows up, he watches the royal family of the kingdom where they live and notices that one of the princesses is a little different than the others - thus begins his interest in Princess Marigold. He begins writing her letters and conversing through pigeon-mail (p-mail) and finally decides to get a job at her castle so that he can be close to her. Once he gets there, however, he discovers that not all is well in the royal family - the Queen has decided that family interferes with her own plans. Suddenly, it's up to Chris to find a way to save his princess and the kingdom.

This really is a great story. Written in Ferris's off-kilter style, it's a fantasy story that doesn't feel quite like any other. I really love the characters in this story - they seem believable in part because each one has entirely unique thoughts and personality traits. The storyline is also fun and, although bits of it are a little predictable, there are enough twists in the story, I think, to keep it interesting. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book - it isn't deep, but it's definitely fun.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Heroics for Beginners, Princess Academy, The Last Apprentice, or Princess Nevermore