Twinchantment (Twinchantment #1)

Gr 3-7--Following the savage murder of King Lamar's family, the Magic Eradication Act kept the kingdom of Kaloon safe from danger. That is, until the day King Edwin and Queen Latonya announced the imminent birth of their first child, and the court jester, Gilward, cast a spell on the Queen and vanished into thin air. That spell results in the birth of identical twin daughters. Since the magical nature of their births would have resulted in the twins' immediate banishment, the king and queen announce the birth of only one daughter, Princess Flissara. For 12 years, twins Flissa and Sara split the role of princess and the kingdom went about its business with only a few people entrusted with the secret. Suddenly, a dark magic spell again curses the queen, leaving her gravely ill with only hours to live. Flissa and Sara are forced to leave their safe, shared role. They pursue Gilward into the Twists, a magical yet terrifying place outside Kaloon, to convince him to reverse the deadly curse. They are helped along the way by Gilward's son Galric, and a cast of magical characters. The plot moves along quickly with twists, turns, and surprises that will keep readers engaged and eager for the next chapter. VERDICT On the surface, this first book of an intended series may seem like a simple fairy tale, but its colorful detail and complicated characters will leave readers eager for the next installment.--Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State University, NH

After the court jester Gilwad publicly curses the queen and her unborn progeny, the kingdom of Kaloon bans magic. The powerful Keepers of the Light may exile any who display signs of the stuff--black cats, the left-handed, twins--to a dangerous, mythical place known as the Twists. Royal princesses Flissa and Sara, twins, have hidden their dual existence from all save their parents and a few trusted servants for nearly 12 years. Theirs is a complicated dance in which royal duties are split evenly between two girls living one life as Princess Flissara. When their mother is cursed and nearing death, the girls together find their way into the Twists with the help of Gilwad's son, Galric, to the one mage who can save their mother's life. This heartwarming tale explores personal growth and difference among even those purported to be similar. Allen (the Gabby Duran series) brings the magic of Kaloon and its royal family to life in this series opener with an enduring feel. Ages 8-12. Agent: Jane Startz, Jane Startz Productions (Apr.)