Ella Enchanted

Ella is a girl who lives in Frell (a town in the kingdom of Kyrria) with her mother and household servants. Her father, Sir Peter, is a successful merchant who travels a lot and is usually out of the town. As a result, Ella doesn't see him often. Which is just fine with her, as her father is not a kind man. He only cares about himself and is selfish, not caring about anything but money (well, he cares about his wife - Ella's mother - a bit, I guess). She would be like just about any other nobleman's daughter in Frell if she was not given a fairy's blessing - well, more like a curse, actually - at the time of her birth. This fairy's name was Lucinda, and she gave Ella the 'gift' of obedience. Which meant that Ella had to do everything that was told to her. It had to be a command - a wish or request won't work. It could be anything from 'Ella, eat your meal' to 'Ella, cut off your head'. And Ella had to obey it.

After her mother, whose name was Eleanor, dies, Ella is left with her father and her fairy godmother (of course nobody except Ella knows that she is a fairy). Before she dies, she commands her daughter not to tell anyone about the curse, as they could take advantage of Ella if they knew. So after his wife's death, Sir Peter sends Ella off to finishing school with Hattie and Olivia. They are Dame Olga's daughters (a friend of Sir Peter). In there, Hattie gives Ella a miserable time, because she discovers Ella's secret (she has no idea why, but she knows that Ella has to do everything she is commanded to). Running away, Ella encounters evil ogres, huge giants, charming princes, and reluctant fairies as she goes on a quest to find Lucinda and take away the curse upon her. Will she succeed? Or will Ella have to spent the rest of her life always doing whatever anyone tells her to do?

I really like this wonderful, enchanting book which is written by Gail Carson Levine. Levine weaves an unforgettable tale which is humorous, funny and completely enthralling. I like this book because of the plot and the way it is written. Levine keeps me in suspense and her way with words keeps me completely hooked until the end. This book is a real page turner and a total must - read.