The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry-ESSENTIAL

Berry, Julie, Amaranth Enchantment. Bloomsbury USA, 2009. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

Since her parents died in a carriage accident on their way to a castle ball, Lucinda Chapdelaine has lived with her uncle and his evil second wife. Helping around her uncle’s shop, Lucinda earns her keep by helping her uncle run a jewelry shop. One day, two mysterious visitors come to the shop: the kingdom’s crown prince and the lady known as the Amaranth Witch. A woman from another dimension, the Amaranth Witch carries a necklace that holds her soul and her powers. The prince, arranged to marry a princess from another kingdom, is looking for just such a necklace that says “forever”. When her uncle dies before he can fix the necklace, Lucinda gets kicked to the curb by her “aunt”. It is then and there that Lucinda swear to return to necklace to the witch. The necklace, however, was stolen the night before her uncle died by a boy thief who then sold it to the crown prince. To make matter worse, there’s a criminal from the witch’s dimension seeking the necklace and revenge on the witch and the kingdom. Will Lucinda be able to find the necklace and save herself, her kingdom, and the witch?

A fun adventure with lots of subplots. Although the plot is hard to follow at times, it is well-developed and holds the reader in suspense. The characters are likable and well-developed. The magic is well-crafted and blends well into the story. Readers who like fantasy, mystery, and adventure will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.