Review:Catspell

Title: The Fairy Godmother Dilemma: Catspell
Author: Danyelle Leafty

Book Summary:

“Sixteen-year-old Breena never thought anything could be worse than being forced to leave the faerie realm. Then she got stuck with a fairy godmother. But if she has to choose between the two, she’d leave the Faerie Realm over getting bossed about by a faerie with a pointed stick any day. Unfortunately, her attempt to evade her fairy godmother gives her growing pains in the form of fur, whiskers, and a tail."

           Turning into a cat is the least of her worries, though. The potion wasn’t meant to bring out her inner feline, it was meant to put her to sleep. Forever. If Breena wants to make it to her Happily Ever After, she’ll have to accept that sometimes a fairy godmother really does come in handy, after all.”

           Sometimes, I can be surrounded by people and still feel alone. Thankfully, for me that feeling fades after a while, a few days at most. When she was a baby, Breena was traded to the Faerie queen, and now the Faerie queen wants to get rid of her. Breena always feels out of place with the faeries, but this just proves to her that she is right. No one wants her. When the Fey saddle her with a Fairy godmother, Breena, wallowing in self-pity, wants nothing to do with her. When she tries to take matters into her own hands, Breena winds up a cat, and this story is just getting started…

           As I pick up Catspell, I am super excited because I ADORE Fairy Tales. I very anxiously read to see how this one will turn out, because I love when a fairy tale has a new spin. Catspell starts out really amazing-- it is unique, different, and full of twists and turns! However, the ending strikes me as “off the mark”. Catspell’s Breena is a fantastic heroine, but in the end she makes some atypical decisions that don’t seem to fit in with her character.

           One of the first things that strikes me about Breena is her independence. She practically refuses her fairy godmother’s help and instead turns to her own devices. Breena’s character is complex -- not the average fairy tale princess, which I really enjoy. She takes her Cat-ness in stride and never lets it slow her down. I really like that Breena refuses to be bossed around or looked down upon. She is a loyal friend and is always willing to help others. The fact that Breena doesn’t wish for “prince charming and happily ever after” tells me, right off the bat, that she is unique.

           I also really enjoy that Catspell switches between characters so I can see everyone’s side and opinion. If I only look through Breena’s eyes, I would think Myles is a pompous, arrogant, jerk. But, with the change in perspective, I can understand Myles’ actions and see his intentions. I especially like seeing the fairy godmother’s opinions. I have never read a book that has done this-- it is a revelation!

The Cover:

           I really, REALLY like this cover. I love how the girl on the front almost completely fades into the background, it gives it a magical feel. All the colors are soft, so nothing hurts my eyes! I think the snow (or maybe it's little faerie lights?) have a really cool effect. It's almost like they frame the girl in the middle! So basically: this cover is stunning.

I give this book 4 out of 5 hearts: Great book

* I am definitely looking forward to the next book in The Fairy Godmother Dilemma series!

Learn more about Danyelle Leafty's on her website here: http://www.danyelleleafty.com/

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