The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

Published: March 2009

Publisher: Bloomsbury Press

Pages: 308

Copy: Borrowed from Library

Summary: Goodreads

When Lucinda Chapdelaine was a small child, her parents left for the royal ball and never returned. Ever since, Lucinda has been stuck in perpetual servitude at her evil aunt’s jewelry store. Then, on the very same day, a mysterious visitor and an even more bizarre piece of jewelry both enter the shop, setting in motion a string of twists and turns that will forever alter Lucinda’s path. In this magical story filled with delightful surprises, Lucinda will dance at the royal ball, fall under the Amaranth Witch’s spell, avenge her parents’ death, and maybe — just maybe — capture the heart of a prince.

While not strictly a fairy tale, Julie Berry's 'The Amaranth Enchantment' certainly reads like one. There were definite shades of Cinderella going on here, but enough differences to make it a wonderful tale all on its own.

After being orphaned and brought up by an Uncle and Aunt, Lucinda is thrown onto the streets by her Aunt when her Uncle dies unexpectedly. So begins the start of a magical adventure full of Princes and balls, fairy godmothers and evil would-be wizards (of sorts). With the help of a young pick-pocket, Lucinda is able to navigate her way through misfortune and out into happiness.

Ms Berry has written an imaginative story that is suitable for all ages. The main character, Lucinda, is 15 - if my math is correct - but there is nothing in the story that could not be read by younger tweens. In fact it ended up in the junior shelves at my library. 'The Amaranth Enchantment' was a sweet, adventrous love story that was quick to read and full of fun. Highly recommended for fans of fairytales, cracked or otherwise.