Cursed with obedience, how do you fight for the future of your dreams?

This book is a must read if you like: Fairytale retellings, happily ever after, cozy fantasy

About the Book:

Title: Ella Enchanted

Genre(s): Fantasy YA

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Published by: HarperCollins

Date Published: 04/25/1997

Format Read: Physical Copy

Where I Got It: Purchased

Stand alone or series Number: It is Book One of a series.

Snapshot: what do you need to know before you pick up the book.

Profanity: None,

Intimacy: Light, Childhood appropriate fairytale romance

Violence: Light, Some moments if peril

Themes: Light, Coming of age, breaking of curses, fairtale happily ever after.

My Thoughts

This is my go to reread when I need something with a strong determined female character, but has a comforting, positive vibe. Ella goes through hardship with a faith in herself and belief she can figure things out.

It is really really really difficult to pick a favorite book from your whole lifetime. But I spent days genuinely trying to answer this question and this book was my ultimate winner. I feel in love with this book as a kid and I still enjoy rereading it as an adult. It is an easy read with a lot of depth.

The cozy fantasy (before it was cool) vibe is one of the things that attracted me to this book initial and holds my attention now.

There are a billion Cinderella retellings, but no one captures it as masterfully as Gail Carson Levine. How she takes a damsel in distress story and lends it to a self possess, strong female lead is amazing.

One of the thing I love about the book (that is different from the movie) is the complexity of the curse. Ella isn’t forced to obey, but the consequences of NOT doing it motivates her to be obedient.

I LOVE love love this book. If you are a fantasy reader or have a young fantasy reader in your house, this is a must read.

Description

At her birth, Ella of Frell receives a foolish fairy’s gift—the “gift” of obedience. Ella must obey any order, whether it’s to hop on one foot for a day and a half, or to chop off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not accept her fate…Against a bold backdrop of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella goes on a quest to break the curse forever.

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