I received this Finished Copy from Publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Ogre Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine Published by HarperCollins on October 16, 2018
Pages: 368
Source: Finished Copy from Publisher
Amazon-Indiebound
Goodreads
Set in the world of the Newbery Honor-winning Ella Enchanted, this tale by beloved author Gail Carson Levine stars a clever heroine who is determined to defy expectations—and outwit a fairy’s curse.
Evie is happiest when she is healing people, diagnosing symptoms and prescribing medications, with the help of her devoted friend (and test subject) Wormy. So when Wormy unexpectedly proposes to her, she kindly turns him down; she has far too much to do to be marrying anyone. And besides, she simply isn’t in love with him.
But a certain meddling fairy named Lucinda has been listening in, and she doesn’t approve of Evie’s rejection. Suddenly, Evie finds herself transformed from a girl into a hideous, hungry ogre!
Stuck in this new and confusing form, Evie now has only sixty-two days to accept another proposal—or else be stuck as an ogre forever.
About the Author:
Gail Carson Levine’s first book for children, Ella Enchanted, was a Newbery Honor Book. Levine’s other books include Ever, a New York Times bestseller; Fairest, a Best Book of the Year for Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal, and a New York Times bestseller; Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults; The Wish; The Two Princesses of Bamarre; A Tale of Two Castles; and the six Princess Tales books. She is also the author of the nonfiction books Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly and Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink, as well as the picture books Betsy Who Cried Wolf and Betsy Red Hoodie. Gail Carson Levine and her husband, David, live in a two-centuries-old farmhouse in the Hudson Valley of New York State.
Author Website :: Instagram :: Author Photo
My Thoughts:
I discovered Gail Carson Levine’s books when I took an adolescent literture class in college. I read Ella Enchanted and then immediately went to the library to get as many of her books as I could get my hands on! I loved how sweet and clever they were. And the fairy tale feel is a bonus! Obviously I was excited to finally read Ogre Enchanted. I was thoroughly enchanted myself!
I will admit, this one was a bit of a slow starter for me. I think I was trying too hard to connect it to Ella Enchanted. It’s set in the same world and we do end up meeting characters connected to Ella. However, I found myself much more invested in the story when I let myself forget about that and just focus on Evie and her journey. Once I was caught up in the story I was trying to sneak in a few minutes of reading wherever I could!!! (And of course I was thrilled when I figured out the connection!)
I loved the focus on friendship and being true to yourself in this story. Like Ella, Evie is stuck under an enchantment that she cannot disclose to anyone. She is trapped as on ogre and has to find a way to survive without becoming an actual ogre. It really makes her question everything she knows! She learns who her true friends are, as well as who she really wants to be. It was everything I loved about Levine’s previous books… sweet and clever!
Giveaway:
In celebration of the paperback release of Ogre Enchanted, I have a giveaway from the publisher! The winner will receive a finished copy of the book. US only. Must be 13 or older to win.
Danielle Hammelef
Dragons are my favorite.
Sabrina Roy
Dragons are probably my favorite too!