Books Like...
'A Well-Timed Enchantment' by Vivian Vande Velde follows the story of Deanna, a teenage girl who finds herself on a quest in medieval France after dropping her watch down a magical well. With the help of a cat named Oliver, who has been transformed into a human, Deanna must retrieve her watch within 24 hours to prevent a catastrophic event. The narrative style reflects Vande Velde's signature blend of traditional storytelling and modern sensibility, providing a whimsical and fairy tale-like feel to the plot.
Deanna's journey is filled with humor, absurdity, and unexpected twists as she navigates through challenges and interactions with various characters, including the Fair Folk. While the story borders on the ridiculous at times, the book offers a quick and engaging read that appeals to both younger and older readers, blending elements of fantasy, humor, and a touch of feminist empowerment through Deanna's significant role in the quest.
If you liked A Well-Timed Enchantment, here are the top 3 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Kendra and Seth are sent to stay with their grandparents, unaware that their grandparents are caretakers of a magical world called Fablehaven, where they encounter various magical creatures from fairies to dragons. The story is filled with intense action, mysterious events, and secrets, leading the siblings on an adventure full of danger and wonder. As they navigate through Fablehaven, they discover new creatures, some friendly and some fierce, while learning about the looming battle between good and evil.
The book follows Kendra and Seth as they uncover the secrets of Fablehaven, a sanctuary for mythical creatures, and find themselves in a battle between good and evil. The story explores themes of obedience, consequences, and the importance of following rules, while immersing the readers in a magical world filled with fairies, imps, trolls, witches, and other mystical beings. The plot is engaging, the characters are relatable, and the setting is described as magical and dreamlike.
Kendra stared out the side window of the SUV, watching foliage blur past. When the flurry of motion became too much, she looked up ahead and fixed her gaze on a particular tree, following it as it slo... - #2
Save:"Dealing with Dragons" by Patricia C. Wrede follows the story of Princess Cimorene, who defies traditional princess roles and runs away to live with dragons. The book showcases Cimorene's unconventional approach to princess life, her involvement in dragon society, and her adventures with other princesses, witches, and wizards. The plot involves Cimorene foiling the plans of conniving wizards and saving the dragons from a wicked plot, all while maintaining a practical and independent attitude. The writing style is humorous, full of fairy tale references, and offers a fresh perspective on traditional princess narratives.
Cimorene's character is highlighted as strong, independent, and empowering, breaking away from gender norms and fairy tale conventions. The book features elements of magic, adventure, humor, and female empowerment, making it an engaging and fun read for readers of all ages. The story not only entertains but also delivers messages of individuality, courage, and the ability to accomplish great things by being different.
Linderwall was a large kingdom, just east of the Mountains of Morning, where philosophers were highly respected and the number five was fashionable. The climate was unremarkable. The knights kept thei... - #3
Save:"Alanna: The First Adventure" follows the story of Alanna, a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to become a knight in a world where women are not allowed to pursue such a path. The book takes the reader through Alanna's struggles, challenges, and triumphs as she navigates the training and expectations of knighthood while keeping her true identity hidden. The plot unfolds with a mix of adventure, self-discovery, and determination, drawing readers into a world of medieval fantasy filled with strong female characters and themes of identity and perseverance.
The writing style of "Alanna: The First Adventure" is described as engaging, captivating, and suitable for a younger audience. The book is praised for its fast-paced narrative, well-fleshed-out characters, and vivid world-building that immerses readers into the realm of Tortall. The story balances elements of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, offering a tale of empowerment and courage as Alanna strives to break gender norms and follow her dreams.
They didn’t know it, but Maude was in difficulty. She had taught them all the magic she possessed. They were both capable of learning much more, but there were no other teachers at Trebond. Thom wante...
