Title: Ogre Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
First published October 16, 2018
352 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062561213 (ISBN10: 0062561219)
Rating: 3.61
Overview
In Ogre Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine takes us back to the magical world of Ella Enchanted to tell the origin story of another brave heroine, Evie. As a talented healer, Evie spends her days diagnosing ailments and concocting remedies with her trusty assistant, Wormy.
But when Wormy proposes marriage, Evie turns him down, wanting to focus on her work and not wanting to lead him on. Unfortunately, her rejection catches the attention of the mischievous fairy, Lucinda, who transforms Evie into an ogre.
The only way to break the spell is for Evie to accept a proposal of marriage within sixty-two days. Follow Evie on her journey as she learns to see the world in a new way and discovers that true love can come from unexpected places.
Ogre Enchanted is a heartwarming tale full of adventure, magic, and love that will enchant readers of all ages.
About the Author
I just wanted to share that I’ll only be reviewing books that I truly love. There’s already enough negative criticism out there, so I don’t want to add to it.
Writing a book is a tough feat, so I want to show my appreciation for the amazing ones.
Let me tell you about Gail Carson Levine! She grew up in New York City and started taking writing seriously in 1987. Her first book, Ella Enchanted, was so great that it earned a Newbery Honor Book award in 1998.
Levine has written many other books, including Fairest, Dave at Night (which was recognized as an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults), The Wish, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, and six Princess Tales books. She’s also written a nonfiction book called Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly and a picture book called Betsy Who Cried Wolf, which was illustrated by Scott Nash.
Gail, along with her husband David and their Airedale, Baxter, live in a 1790 farmhouse located in the Hudson River Valley of New York State.
Editoral Review
In her book, The Salamander Spell, E.D. Baker weaves a fantastical tale of magic, adventure, and self-discovery. As a prolific author of children’s and young adult literature, Baker is no stranger to penning stories that capture the imaginations of young readers.
Published on August 21, 2007, The Salamander Spell falls neatly into the fantasy genre, blending elements of myth and folklore with modern storytelling. The novel centers around the lives of two siblings – Emma and her younger brother, Alex – as they grapple with the sudden disappearance of their mother.
Emma, a spunky and headstrong teenager, embarks on a quest to locate her mother, enlisting the help of a mysterious friend named Manuel, who reveals to her a hidden world of magic and mythical creatures. The trio journeys through treacherous mountains, faces off with wicked witches and finally discovers the truth about Emma’s mother’s whereabouts.
Baker’s writing shines through in her character development, particularly in her portrayal of Emma. The protagonist defies stereotypes of young girls in literature, exhibiting strong will, intelligence and resourcefulness.
The novel’s pacing is well-measured, keeping readers engaged without feeling rushed or disjointed. The story’s themes of family, self-discovery, and the power of belief will resonate with young readers as they navigate their own journeys to self-discovery.
Baker’s use of magical creatures and mythical elements adds depth and intrigue to the story. Moreover, Baker subtly weaves in environmental concerns into the book’s narrative which connects the fantasy world with current issues affecting our planet.
Despite its strengths, the book does have some flaws. The supporting characters, including Alex and Manuel, are underdeveloped, and the book’s climax feels a bit rushed.
However, these minor flaws do little to diminish the overall enjoyment of the book. The Salamander Spell is reminiscent of other popular young adult series like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, making it a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre.
The book is ideal for children between the ages of 8-12 and is a fun, adventurous read.
Overall, The Salamander Spell is a delightful story that will capture the hearts of middle-grade readers.
E.D. Baker’s storytelling skills, coupled with her imaginative approach to the fantasy genre, make this book an entertaining and worthwhile read. On a grading scale of 1-10, I would give this book an 8 for its well-developed main character, engaging plot, and its ability to create a fantastic world filled with magic and wonder.
