"Levine's prose is clear and accessible, and her invented world, with its quirky inhabitants and distinctive vocabulary, is pleasantly unpredictable and nonthreatening-even with a volcanic eruption in the offing."
Horn Book Magazine The writing is consistently engaging, and the story's deliberate pace will encourage kids to observe the characters and solve the mystery before all is revealed. A satisfying ... Read moremixture of fantasy, mystery, and adventure.
Booklist here is plenty of adventure and mystery to engage readers, and fans of Levine's other works will be pleased to see this in the collection.
School Library Journal Praise for A Tale of Two Castles: "A thoroughly delicious romp from the author of Ella Enchanted. The plot is winningly unpredictable, the characters easy to relate to, the humor subtle and the action well-paced. Newbery Honor-winner Levine has once again breathed new life into old stories."
Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Praise for A Tale of Two Castles: "Readers are certain to be pulled, like Elodie herself, right into the midst of the rich and swirling life of Two Castles."
School Library Journal Praise for A Tale of Two Castles: "Levine's strength lies in her transparent language and the candid, uncomplicated voice of her narrator, who brings younger readers along with her as she questions assumptions, grows in friendship, works out the mystery, and makes brave escapes."
The Horn Book Praise for Ella Enchanted: "This refreshing take on one of the world's most popular fairy tales preserves the spirit of the original but adds plenty of humorous twists and a spunky, intelligent female lead."
Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Praise for Ella Enchanted: "A thoroughly enchanting novel that deepens and enriches the original tale."
School Library Journal (starred review) Praise for Ella Enchanted: "As finely designed as a tapestry, with a heroine so spirited that she wins readers' hearts."
Booklist (starred review) Praise for Ever: "The power of love and courage to overcome seemingly impossible odds and to bridge ostensibly untraversable differences are at the heart of this compelling, intensely satisfying fantasy."
School Library Journal (starred review) Praise for Ever: "Levine's (Ella Enchanted) original mythological tale works as romance, adventure and exploration of faith. [She] conducts a riveting journey, offering passion and profound pondering along the way."
Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Fairest: "Readers will instantly fall in love with the heroine, whose heart proves to be as warm as her voice."
Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Fairest: "Readers will enjoy the fairy-tale setting while identifying with the real-life problems of living in an appearance obsessed society. A distinguished addition to any collection."
School Library Journal (starred review) Show Less