Rating: 1.1.1
Recommended audience: Tweens on up
Category: Fantasy, romance, children's and YA literature
Though I haven't read Ella Enchanted, also by Levine, I understand that the two books are set in the same fantasy world. Just as Ella is very roughly based on the story of Cinderella, Fairest has a few similarities to Snow White as you may guess from its title. I found the story entertaining and interesting and I was amazed by the talent of the author. The kingdom of Ayortha, where the story takes place, has a great heritage and culture of music and I was very impressed by the author's creativity in the many songs and lyrics throughout the book. This book also explores the ideas of self-image and the definition of beauty that I found interesting and a good example for girls of all ages in this beauty-obsessed world we live in.
