Publisher: Holiday House
Publication date: May 2010
ISBN: 9780823422616
Source: review copy provided by publicist
Princess Ivy faces an unfortunate future locked in a tower, guarded by a dragon, until a prince can rescue her and become king. But, when the arrogant and vicious Prince Romil shows up before she enters the tower, Ivy decides that she must take matters into her own hands. She makes an unlikely friendship with Elridge, the dragon who's supposed to guard her and who appears to be more friendly than fierce. The two of them set off to find Ivy's fairy godmother Drusilla, who they hope will help them keep Prince Romil from the throne. Will Elridge and Ivy survive the precarious journey while battling trolls and swamp sprites?
Things I Liked:
It was a sweet story. I loved Ivy and the decisions she faces with difficulty and yet without shrinking from them. She was also pretty fun and spunky, entertaining in her efforts with Romil especially. I was really impressed that the book was not about romance. With a title like that, I was expecting a little love story. But, it managed to scrape by with just a hint and therefore was able to focus more on other kinds of relationships. I liked that Ivy decided she wasn't going to wait around in the tower and be rescued, but went out to fix things herself. Definitely not a typical damsel in distress. Elridge was a favorite of mine as well, even if his story and development was a little predictable. A fun, quick read for tween girls who can't get enough princesses and dragons.
Things I Didn't Like:
It seemed rather predictable. You could see almost everything coming from a mile away, but that might be my adult sensibilities and not how kids would read it.
Read-alikes:
Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Reminded me of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
a few dangerous situations, but nothing too scary
Overall rating: ****
Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.
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