Thursday, August 20, 2009

Fairest

by Gail Carson Levine
 
Aza is a foundling.  Brought up in an inn in Ayothra she knows she is different.  Her adopted parents have always treated her as one of the family, but Aza knows she is hulking and ugly.  Her only redeeming feature is her marvelous voice, but even that is not so wonderful among a people of reknowned singers.  That is until she learns to immitate and throw her singing voice, a talent she calls illusing.
When fate gives Aza the opportunity to go to court for the King's wedding, despite her looks, she jumps at the chance and when good fortune calls her to the attention of the new queen, Ivy, and they become friends Aza is on cloud nine.  But when Queen Ivy discovers Aza's illusing, she forces Aza to sing for her, a ruse that is soon discovered and the blame laid at Aza door.  Aza flees for her life into an adventure of self discovery and self worth.
Read by Full Cast audio, this entertaining and inventive twist on the beloved Snow White story is packed with adventure, song and a little romance. Aimed at an older audience than Ella Enchanted, yet set in the same world, Levine's fans will find a few familiar faces woven into a tale of the magic mirrors, dwaven people and  complex palace intrigue. Interlaced with wonderful Ayortian songs making this audio book a delight to listen to.

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