George, Jessica Day. Princess of Glass

George, Jessica Day Princess of Glass.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2010 257p 16.99
978-1-59990-478-8 ms Fairy tales VG


Princess Poppy has survived the curse of the dancing slippers and, since the magic is no longer holding her family in thrall, she is sent to neighboring Breton and Seadown House to enjoy herself as she wished only to fall afoul of the evil witch Corley again. Princess Poppy has survived the curse of the dancing slippers and, since the magic is no longer holding her family in thrall, she is sent to neighboring Breton and Seadown House to enjoy herself as she wished. While there, she becomes close friends with Marianne, daughter of her hosts. When, in the traditions of the Empire of Ionia, the heirs to each province’s throne are sent to others to foster better relations and, perhaps, marriages, things begin to become much more difficult. Poppy has become interested in Christian, the Crowne Prince of Danelaw. However, following the traditions of Cinderella, the young servant girl Ellen has been seduced by the plans of the evil witch Corley and promised the Prince’s hand. Ellen had been the daughter of a noble who was beggared by gambling debts and was now a poor and very ineffectual servant. The Corley will, through her magic, make sure that Christian marries Ellen, destroy Poppy and her friends, and rule the kingdoms in their names. It will take all of Poppy’s magical knowledge and strength to bring the story to a successful conclusion for all. This is not simply a retelling of a fairy tale but a sprightly written and exciting adventure. It offers witty dialogue, appealing characters, and a convoluted plot that will entice readers to search out similar books. Fairytale Ogintz, Susan

Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George

George, Jessica Day. Dragon Flight.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins, 2008, 259p, $16.99, 978-1-59990-110-7.

Creel is an unusual girl who throws herself into the line of duty for her country along with the forces of dragons. It is a funny, action-packed novel by the author of Dragon Slippers.
Creel is an unusual girl who enjoys action rather than the sedentary life of a seamstress.
She is called to action when she learns that the neighboring country is training dragons for an invasion of her country. Creel joins forces with the Prince and some old dragon friends to combat the forces of evil.
The story unfolds with constant changes of pace and uncertainty that will keep the reader on the seat of their chairs. They will also find their stomachs in their throat as they accompany the main characters in the flight during the dragon’s aerial encounters.
The author has written a very entertaining story that will enthrall fantasy readers. It will also give readers a good picture of a character that puts aside personal gain and works for the betterment of the entire country and the upholding of peace and prosperity.
This is a very well written book that would make a good addition to any middle school or elementary school library. It is also recommended for our Books of Note. LM