When I try to describe the books in the FTRS series, I sometimes feel as if I am just riffing on the trailers for "The Princess Bride." Think about it - chases, escapes, giants, evil masterminds, sword fights...they have a lot in common. Of course, in Gilly's case, most of the people involved are students or teachers at the Fairy Tale Reform School.
In this climactic installment, we find Gilly and her friends trying to find the last of the ingredients that Rumpelstiltskin needs to complete his curse on Enchantasia. Along the way they suffer "through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered" just as Sarah describes her quest in "Labyrinth." Despite evil wishes used against them, a cranky Kraken, fireballs, a wyvern and everything else the Stiltskin Squad can throw at them, the students don't give up.
Anna, Gilly's younger sister, is still working with Stiltskin and Alva. Will Gilly have to sacrifice the sister she loves to save everyone else? And will she and her friends make it through the final battle in one piece? Throughout the series friendship has been an important factor in the success of the characters. As Maxine writes in her essay, "We keep each other in check...when you have your friends by your side, the future doesn't feel so grim."
Fans will not be disappointed in the showdown to decide the fate of the kingdom once and for all. There is plenty of action, humor, some self-reflection, and resolution. You don't want to miss it.
Highly recommended for middle grades and up. I read an e-book provided by the publisher for review purposes.
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