In Literature Articles
Date: 10/22/2009
In this retelling of the fairy tale, Ani is raised as the Crown Princess of her kingdom. Even though she knows being queen is her destiny, she is acutely aware of how the role doesn't suit her. She lacks the charismatic people-speaking gift of her mother, and her natural gift for speaking with animals only frightens those around her. Fortunately, her lady-in-waiting has the gift of people-speaking, and Ani is relieved to have her company as they set out for the distant kingdom where she is to wed her betrothed. But is all is not it seems: her lady-in-waiting is not her friend, and uses her gift to arise a mutiny against the Crown Princess. Ani flees into a strange new land and is forced to hide the bright hair that labels her as an outsider. She soon becomes the goose girl, and plots to stop the impostor from wedding her betrothed - and bringing the two kingdoms into war.
The first half of the book proceeded very slowly. It wasn't bad reading, simply slow. However, once the suspense kicked in, I could barely set the book down. I'm familiar with the fairy tale and knew what to expect, but the suspense still held me. That's good writing. Even for those who don't know the original tale with probably find the plot predictable, but not in a bad way. Just as with another of Hale's books, The Princess Academy, there is a certain coziness to her writing style. Sure, I knew what was coming, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I probably would have read this book to tatters if it had existed when I was a twelve-year-old.
Source: http://community.livejournal.com/50bookchallenge/11109887.html
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