K. C. Simos

vSeveral myths and well known fairy tales skip and twist in unexpected ways to create an exciting tale with wonderful characters.

Eliza was handed over to a young man in a small town shortly under mysterious circumstances shortly after her birth by her mother, who swore it'd be better never to see her again. Over the years, Eliza becomes good friends with the royal family and especially the two princes. When one of them goes suddenly missing, she's determined to find out if the myths behind an Snow Queen are true, and her adventure takes her not only in directions she never dreamed possible, but ones which are also very dangerous.

This is the second book in a trilogy. I did read the first one (and enjoyed it quite a bit), but these can be read as stand alones, too.

I enjoy how the author takes well-known legends and myths and swirls them together in various ways. Some are more dribbled in, while others have a larger presence in the tale. It's fun to see these well known characters go in new and yet familiar directions, and form their very own legends and myths along the way. Anyone who enjoys retellings is going to enjoy this trilogy because it packs tons of lovely surprises.

In many ways, this sticks to the traditional, story-telling feel, while incorporating a few aspects which make everything familiar too. Eliza is an easy character to like as are many of the characters in the book. I was surprised how quickly I was caught up in the tale, and it was very hard to make myself put it down. I would have liked to have a little more background surrounding the evil characters, but this didn't hurt the story as it is, either.

I'd recommend this one more for the younger end of the young adult audience and upper middle graders. While Eliza is seventeen and her friends are starting usual jobs and going to college, the writing slides better in with ages 10 to 14. But then, even adults can get lost in this one, since I'm not sure how many readers of these ages will know all of the myths and legends included. Either way, it's a treat.… (más)

This read surprised and captured me, making it hard not to read in one sitting.

Eliza is twelve-years-old and can't wait for her foster father to return with the king from war. He arrives but has lost is leg. Eliza is still thrilled to have him back and just as their lives settle in to a normal, the golden bird of the castle is stolen. Her father is immediately blamed thanks to a man, who has his eye on her father's love interest. To escape death, Eliza and her father run away, but soon, Eliza realizes that the only way they'll survive is if they can discover the real culprit. And she might just happen to have discovered the first clue.

Anyone who enjoys Hans Christian Andersen is going to smile while reading this one. The author does a fantastic job at weaving in bits and pieces from several of his tales. And these slide in smoothly, leaving only a nod for knowers. For those who aren't as familiar with Mr. Andersen's tales, this is simply a lovely read with mystery, adventure, and tons of heart.

Eliza is gentle hearted, determined, has a free spirit, and posses tons of loyalty. Her love for her father and friends...and those she decides to befriend, makes her hard not to like. She also packs quite a bit of cleverness. While she is supposed to be twelve, her character comes across as someone in their mid-teens. But then, the story itself also heads in a slightly older direction, more for readers then and up than younger ones.

The story is set in a kingdom, where Eliza is accustom to spending time with the young royal brothers and servants, as well as being on a closer relationship with the king and queen. The oldest prince is being pressured to start finding his future bride, and there's an overly persistent girl, who's bound to have him choose her. It's a humorous setting, holds a historic atmosphere, and keeps more family warmth close. There are hints of romance the entire way through, not only with the prince. There are tension and exciting moments, too, and these hold wit more than deadly danger. There are moments to sigh with sadness, giggle at the humor, and slide to the edge of the seat in anticipation.

In other words, it's a tale worth reading. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it quite a bit.… (más)