Book Review: Enchanted

Enchanted
Narrated By: Katherine Kellgren
Published By: Brilliance Audio
Publication Date: May 2012
Audio Length: 7 hours, 51 minutes
Source: Library
Audience: Young Adult - Fantasy

On the Writing & Story:

I tend to enjoy fairy tale retellings so this one didn't stay on my TBR list for too long. As soon as I was able to snag a copy of the audiobook from the library, I dove in to Kontis' magical world. I loved that she took inspiration from a variety of fairy tales in order to craft this story. One of my favorite things about listening to this one was trying to identify the various story components. So many of my childhood favorites make appearances: The Princess and the Pea, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Frog Prince, Sleeping Beauty, and so many more. If you have a fondness for fairy tales and nursery rhymes - this is a must read.

One of my favorite aspects of this novel was the Woodcutter family. I found the various sisters and their abilities to be intriguing. The plot mainly focuses on Sunday, but at some point each of her sisters plays a crucial role. I loved how the family bridged the gap between magic and reality. Their family history fascinated me.

Another element I enjoyed was Sunday's romance. I was rooting for her throughout the entire novel and kept hoping for that happy ending. It is a fairy tale, after all.

My biggest complaint is that there were some moments of tedium that resulted in boredom. I cannot say whether this was because of the narrator or the story, but it did make finishing this one seem daunting at times. I am glad I persevered and finished it. There were so many merits and I ended up enjoying it immensely. It was just one of those books that doesn't yield its treasures without a little effort on the reader's part.

This novel is a magical journey that would be appropriate for young and old alike. Enchanted is the perfect read if you're in the mood for a sweet romance and some fairy tale girl power.

On the Audio:

This narrator was okay, but I didn't enjoy the way she did the male voices. I also found some of the female voices to be more annoying than entertaining at times. There isn't anything special about the audio so I would encourage readers to pick this one up in print.


One Last Gripe: I was frustrated by some of the characters' choices - even the ones that were made under the duress of magic

My Favorite Thing About The Book: I loved the sinister nature of the King's plot

First Sentence: My name is Sunday Woodcutter, and I am doomed to a happy life.

Favorite Character: Sunday

Least Favorite Character: The King



It isn’t easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past—and hers?


Comments

  1. Good to know! I do have a copy of this book and I'm glad to know the audiobook was not great.

    Jess @ Gone with the Words - Check out my latest post: Review: Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

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    1. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you have a chance to read it!

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  2. I love the idea of this book and how it takes ideas from many other fairy tales. Although I haven't read The Frog Prince (I didn't know that there was a book about it!) I would love to know how the author captured it.
    I never listen to audio books, I don't know but I feel like they are too boring, I can't stand waiting to the end of the novel since my reading speed is faster. I don't know but maybe I will try an audio book - if i find it - very soon.
    Definitely added to my TBR.
    GREAT review, Andrea
    You have a dazzling mind :P
    Your constant reader,
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks for your comments. I agree that sometimes it is better to read things myself. Now that my commute is shorter, it takes forever to get through audios.

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  3. Thank you, Andrea! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

    I found your comments interesting--I actually loved the audio so much I've listened to it three times. (What can I say? I'm in love.) I'm anxious to see how Katy does with the second book in the series.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and checking out the review. I'm not sure why - the audio just didn't appeal to me. I'll have to read book two for myself. :)

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  4. Thank you so much, Andrea! I'm very glad you enjoyed the fairy tale! Xox

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  5. I really did enjoy this book, but yes, at times I found it hard to get through as well. And Man, do I love that 1st sentence.

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  6. I love reading a fairy tale re-telling and this seems like a good one!

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