What would do if a faerie cursed you just because she didn’t like how you answered a friend’s question? I’d probably tackle her and pin her to the ground until she changed me back. But then, we dragons are known to have a bit of a temper.

Fortunately for Lucinda, that’s not the path Evie takes in Ogre Enchanted, the newest book by Gail Carson Levine. If you loved Ella Enchanted (and by that, I mean the book), then you’re going to love this new adventure. It takes place in the kingdoms of Jenn and Frell a few years before Ella is born, but you’ll meet a few characters you’ll instantly recognize along the way.

Who would marry a beast?

Fifteen-year-old Evie is a healer from Jenn who looks at people and sees symptoms and remedies. She’s so well-known and trusted that even the giants come to her for aid. Her best friend in the world is a boy she calls Wormy. His favorite thing in the world is coming up with imaginary illnesses for Evie to cure.

When Wormy proposes to her, that pesky faerie Lucinda shows up ready to bestow her “special” gift on the lovebirds. Fifteen is far too young to get married, though, and Evie kindly says no. Wormy takes the rejection well, but Lucida takes it upon herself to punish the girl by turning her into an ogre. Now she must find someone to propose to her (and she has to say yes) or she’ll remain stuck as a smelly, hungry ogre forever.

A perfect companion (book)

It was so much fun getting to go back to Frell and learn more about the humans, giants, and ogres who live there. We also get a glimpse of the dragons, but only from a distance. One of my favorite things about it is that even though Evie’s life has been turned upside down, she doesn’t lose sight of who she is—a healer. (Just wait till you see what sorts of things she uses to cure people!) 

Ogre Enchanted has all the wit and warmth that made Ella Enchanted a favorite. If you haven’t read Ella Enchanted before, don’t worry. You can read this one first and still have a lot of fun with it. It’s perfect for readers as young as ten and I think grownups will love it too.

As for us dragons, we took a vote and all gave it five dark chocolate eggs.

Okay. I just got a notice from the library that my next book is ready for me to check out. I’ll see you next time!

Note: No goods or services were exchanged for this review. The opinions belong solely to the reviewer.