Book Review #11

Book: The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison
Age: 10 and up (younger with mom's permission)
Rating: 9 out of 10

This is the second book by Ms. Harrison that I've read and I'm excited to read more, including the sequel to this book.  Her writing style is easy to read and enjoyable.  This book is more complex than I can really explain, but let me just say that it's supposedly pegged as a Beauty and the Beast re-telling, but not by the author.  In this case the "beast" is the woman, but I don't feel that is an accurate portrayal of the story in any way.

Prince George has animal magic, as his mother did, as her father did.  (This seems to be similar to Shannon Hale's concept of animal-speaking in her Bayern series.)  Animal magic is feared and those who have it are usually burned, not by the king, but by his subjects.  George's story is sympathetic and often heartbreaking, but enjoyable to read.  I'll be honest, I rarely read stories with a male protaganist or a male point-of-view, but this was excellent.  I absolutely recommend it, although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Mira, Mirror.

Book Review #8

Book: Mira, Mirror by Mette Ivie Harrison
Age-range: 8 and up
Rating: 9 out of 10

This is the most unexpected re-imagining of Snow White I've ever read.  For one thing, Snow White doesn't come into it at all.  The main character is the magic mirror!  This takes such an interesting view on beauty and true beauty.

I wouldn't say there is a plot compelling the story forward, but the story is intriguing enough on its own.  I don't want to say too much for fear of giving too much away, but it's a good story to read and I would recommend it if you're at all interested in how the Wicked Queen's mirror became a mirror.