The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre

By: Gail Carson Levine

Genre: Young Adult/Middle Grade Fantasy

Pages: 385

Published: 2017

Told In: First Person

Compare to:

Goose Girl, Shannon Hale

Shadow Spinner, Susan Fletcher

The Seer and the Sword, Victoria Hanley

In a nutshell:

Perry, raised in a war driven culture with prejudices against the serving Bamarre, doesn’t know that she is actually of Bamarre descent. Learning the truth about her heritage brings new challenges and the desire to free her oppressed people.

What you may enjoy:

This book has great themes and fun characters. Levine creates a beautiful world. Perry inspires readers by making big changes through small actions. Heartwarming and fun!

What you may NOT enjoy:

Not one of Levine’s best books. While enjoyable, there is no push to keep reading. Some parts seem arbitrary and unnecessary.

Note: Although this book is placed in the same world as Levine’s “Two Princesses of Bamarre,” both books can stand-alone. (Although, readers may recognize the name of one common character)

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Man loses leg below the knee; Woman hit in the chest by a horse and dies; Men hit over the head; Boy kills a man; Woman’s throat cut open, laying in a pool of blood; Ogre stabbed in the leg and bleeds; Woman slapped; Woman punched; Man whipped; Children killed; Gryffins stabbed and killed; Gryffins shot with arrows; Ogres killed; Woman stabbed in the shoulder; Man convulses and dies

Sex and Nudity:

Boy and girl kiss

Language and Profanity:

None

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Once Upon a Marigold

By: Jean Ferris

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Pages: 271

Published: 2002

Told in: Third Person

Series: Marigold Series, 1^st of 3

Compare to:

Goose Chase, Patrice Kindl

Princess Tales Books, Gail Carson Levine

Dragon Slippers, Jessica Day George

In a nutshell:

Christian has grown up in a cave, with a troll as his foster father. Marigold is the lonely princess across the river who Christian takes up a correspondence with. When Christian decides to take his place in the world, he finds there is trouble brewing while serving in the princess’s palace.

What you may enjoy:

A cute and funny story, which is “part comedy, part love story, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink.” It’s sweet, it’s fun, it will make you giggle. You can’t help but love the characters and cheer for them.

What you may NOT enjoy:

This book is predictable and full of clichés. Although it’s meant for young readers, it’s a little too juvenile. The humor is often a little too ridiculous and becomes tiresome.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Boy is threatened; boy is shot with an arrow; dog bites man’s foot.

Sex and Nudity:

Girl kisses boy; boy kisses girl

Language and Profanity:

None

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