The Two Princesses of Bamarre
by Gail Carson Levine Book review by Miranda Fraser (Moses) ISBN: 0-06-440966-x While I can't remember a time in my life where I had stopped reading, there are certain books that I remember re-sparking my love of reading. You know those books that are just so perfectly written that they speak to some inner part of you and you can never forget them. The Two Princess of Bamarre is one of those stories. Many people know Gail Carson Levine for 'Ella Enchanted' and 'Fairest'. This book does not take place in that kingdom, but if you enjoy her writing then you should love this one. This story takes place in a mid evil kingdom full of magic and mythological creatures. An unfortunate plague hits the kingdom, the Gray Death. It has taken many of the kingdoms citizens, even the King's wife. The Gray Death continues to torture this kingdom for many years. When it revisits the castle a sick twist of fate occurs. You see the king is blessed with two beautiful daughters. Opposite in every way. Meryl is brave and adventurous, dreams of fighting dragons, and heroic deeds. She is described as being fair and small, compact in energy and bravery. Adelina on the other hand is scared of everything: spiders, shadows, etc. She is described as being tall for her age, loose-limbed, and dark complexioned. They were opposites but they loved the other and understood the other. Meryl always protecting Addie from every danger, real of not. I mean their relationship is so beautiful it's the kind of love all parents hope their kids will have for the other. But alas this happiness does not go on, for the brave princess who believed she would find the cure, fell ill to the Gray Death. In this moment when all hope seems lost Addie must find her courage to seek out the cure herself. This book is FILLED with excitement and adventure. There are legends and ballads, there are 'prophecies', a charming sorcerer, fairies, specters, dragons, ogres, and so on and so forth. There are so many creative spells and magical items in this. A pillow made of clouds, a tablecloth that produces food when properly requested, magical boots, and so much more. The story is just SO charming and FULL of twists and turns, and even a little romance. But the tale of finding courage and power in ones self should speak volumes to anyone. Especially to a child or young adult who may need their courage more than ever. Perhaps this book can speak to that inner part of them as well. AND even though when you all see this review I will already have it in my hands, 14 years after this book was published, Levine has made a prequel. I literally cried when I saw that. I love this story so much and I'm so ridiculously happy to have another story in this kingdom. Links to the author's pages are below.
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