Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine – Book Review (Reread)

Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance

Spice: Mild

Summary:

When Ella was born, the fairy Lucinda spelled her to always be obedient. For a spunky, independent young Ella, obedience is an inconvenience, but her mother and their maid, Mandy, keep others from figuring out Ella’s affliction and taking advantage. But when Ella’s mother dies, her father sends Ella to finishing school, where she realizes how much of a dangerous curse blind obedience really is. Determined to find the fairy Lucinda and break her curse however she can, Ella begins a journey filled with magical creatures, selfish stepsisters, and a noble prince.

Reaction:

Ella Enchanted was a pivotal book for me as a young adult. I really connected to quippy Ella, fell in love with Prince Char, and the story brings me to tears every time I read it. It made me realize how much emotion can be amplified by the circumstances in a fantasy novel. Since then, no other genre of book has been able to absolutely rip my heart into pieces quite like a well-written emotional fantasy novel can.

One of the reasons this book has stuck with me for so long was Ella. She was a relatable yet aspirational character for me. Unlike a lot of other young adult books where the FMC is shown to be smart by enjoying reading or getting good grades, Ella shows an innate intelligence by creatively getting herself out of sticky situations created by her curse. I loved her problem-solving and aspired to Ella’s smart sense of humor. I also appreciated her kindness to others, and as a shy kid, Ella had a determination and outward confidence that I wanted to display myself. Even though Ella’s story is loosely based on Cinderella of the famous fairy tale, the only similarity I see between them is their kindness; Ella’s spunk and determination make her a more deep and interesting character.

Another reason I adore this book is Char and his and Ella’s relationship. When we are introduced to Char, he seems like a golden boy, but as the book continues his hangups are revealed like peeling back an onion. He’s like the precursor to all my favorite book boyfriends; he’s responsible, but likes to have fun, he’s protective, but respects women, and even when he’s mean he calls himself out on it. His and Ella’s relationship is simply the perfect friends to lovers story, and the part of this book where they exchange letters is just adorable. This story may be the reason I gravitate towards enemies to lovers more than friends to lovers; because no other romance book featuring friends to lovers will ever beat Ella and Char.

Ella Enchanted is also a great introduction into fantasy. The world building is not complicated and overall minimal in favor of the plot. The creatures are relatively well known and served in bite size pieces, each purposefully included to reveal an aspect to Ella’s character. There are some made up language elements, but they are all explained in plain English, and it’s not put upon the reader to remember them.

It was actually really difficult to write this review. I wanted to do the love I have for this book justice without droning on for a couple pages. I know a lot of others my age had their fantasy journey begin with the Harry Potter series, but mine began with Ella Enchanted, and I can draw a direct line between the elements I enjoy in this book to the more recent books I’ve enjoyed. I’m already looking forward to my next reread!