My Very Unfairy Tale Life by Anna Staniszewski - ADVISABLE

Staniszewski, Anna My Very Unfairy Tale Life, 208 pgs. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, November 2011. $6.99.

Language - G; Violence - PG; Sexual Content - PG

Jenny is an adventurer - a human charged with the task of traveling to magical lands and bringing harmony to the creatures there - but after three years she's burned out on her lonely life and ready to go back to being a normal girl. Unfortunately, 'normal' isn't possible, with magical creatures popping up in her everyday life, trying to get her to fulfill one final mission, two best friends who seem to have forgotten her, and parents who mysteriously disappeared years before.

From the first scene, which is both tense and funny, My Very Unfairy Tale Life is an enjoyable romp filled with of humor, adventure, surprises, and a hint of romance - perhaps fulfilled in the sequel? Although a few of the plot twists are wacky to the point of absurdity, Stansiszewski's witty voice, colorful cast of characters, and occasionally chilling imagery make Jenny's adventures fun to follow along with.

EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn.