review; the amaranth enchantment

The Amaranth Enchantment
by Julie Berry

When Lucinda Chapdelaine was a small child, her parents left for the royal ball and never returned. Ever since, Lucinda has been stuck in perpetual servitude at her evil aunt’s jewelry store. Then, on the very same day, a mysterious visitor and an even more bizarre piece of jewelry both enter the shop, setting in motion a string of twists and turns that will forever alter Lucinda’s path. In this magical story filled with delightful surprises, Lucinda will dance at the royal ball, fall under the Amaranth Witch’s spell, avenge her parents’ death, and maybe – just maybe – capture the heart of a prince.

Review:

Oh this was cute. Far cuter than I expected. A Cinderella-esque story with a headstrong lead, who has her moments of bitterness and flights of fancy, but ultimately, takes charge of her own destiny.

Lucinda is a charming protagonist. There are moments when I thought she could have been smarter – and I definitely was cheering more for Peter than Gregor, but the entire story was well-written and sweet, and fun.

The idea that the “witch” is a woman from another world was fantastic. I would love to know more about Beryl’s world, as well as more about how Coxley ended up in the kingdom, and why he was the way he was. That would make a fascinating story.

Between Peter and Gregor, my favourite was Peter. His interactions with Lucinda were rife with chemistry. Not that there wasn’t chemistry between Gregor and Lucinda as well – but a little more development of Gregor, and of Beatrix, would have been lovely.

That twist at the end was hilarious, and a little expected. But handled very well. It was a fun read.