I love this book! It shows so much emotion and feeling. You watch as Addie goes on an adventure and experiences love and loss. The end was so sad and so well written that it nearly made me cry. 5 out of 5 book.😆

An adventurous and fairytale-like middle grade fantasy

Princess Meryl craves adventure! She spends every moment she can exploring the lands around the castle, practicing sword-fighting, and dreaming of the day when she can finally go off on a real adventure. Her sister, Addie, is her polar opposite, preferring to remain safe within the castle walls and working on her embroidery skills. But despite their differences, they love each other more than anyone else in the world.

When Meryl contracts the Gray Death, Addie knows her days are numbered. So she swallows her fears and sets out on a quest to find the fabled cure, facing down ogres, specters, gryphons, dragons, and — worst of all — spiders.

Gail Carson Levine is a master of her craft! If you’re in the mood for lighthearted fantasy with interesting characters and world building, this is for you. ( )

A favourite read from my childhood! The reading level is fairly simple - I believe it's worded for 9-12 year olds - but the story, like most classics, is well done enough with the fantasy and adventure and an underlying love story that unfolds throughout to keep adults entertained as well as kids just discovering their love for reading.
This story holds a precious place in my heart as the book to introduce me to the Fantasy genre and my love for adventure! ( )

This book is a masterpiece and so hauntingly beautiful. It still amazes me even as I travel into adulthood! ( )

Addie and Meryl are princesses, sisters and opposites. Addie is quiet and fearful, and Meryl is adventurous and would love nothing more than to be out fighting monsters. Meryl has promised Addie that she will not leave her until Addie is married. After Rhys, the new sorcerer arrives, Meryl becomes ill, so Addie must find some courage and leave to find a cure. Meanwhile, Addie has fallen for the handsome young sorcerer. Addie must battle various monsters, including a dragon, to help her older sister.

I really liked this book. It was fun and exciting to read and to cheer on Addie as she finds courage to go out on her own in order to save her beloved sister. I have really enjoyed all the books I've read by Gail Carson Levine so far, and will likely read more. Her books are easy to read and understand and very enjoyable. ( )