Elena should have been a traditional Cinderalla, but events lead her on a very different path. At 21, she becomes the Apprentice Fairy Godmother, and then the Fairy Godmother to a number of kingdoms, keeping track of events and making sure something called The Tradition doesn't go around ruining people's lives. She runs into a number of interesting characters and situations, acting as a very unTraditional fairy godmother throughout. The story has many elements of traditional fairy tales, but Lackey gives it such a unique perspective that you can't rightly call it one.

Note: I rated the book 18+ since there are a few racy scenes and an occasional curse word, but nothing too overt.

Anyone who loves fantasy and fairy tales with a touch of humor.

Lackey's approach to the tale, telling it from the POV of a fairy godmother. And The Tradition is a very unique and interesting concept, an invisible force that compells people to follow traditional fairy tale paths, whether joyful or sorrowful. The way Lackey weaves the tale leaves the reader wanting more.

The only real thing I can complain about is her misuse of the word "literally" several times. But really, there's nothing about the actual plot to dislike.

Read something else by Mercedes Lackey. I'm sorry I didn't discover her sooner!

Amused, mostly. It's hard not to be at the unique twists and turns Lackey sticks into the story, taking an original idea and running with it.

Is a fun person, in my opinion. The story is written in an easygoing tone with characters you can't help liking. The other book I've read by her, The Ship Who Searched, with Anne McCaffrey, is my favorite of that series for just those reasons.

I think it's an excellent fantasy, not too stuffy like the Lord of the Rings, but not too full of fluff and foolishness like traditional Disney-type fairy tales.

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Created Aug 23, 2005 at 3:54am • Submit your own review...