What an amazing idea for a story! Who doesnt love tales about alternate worlds? I know I do. However, ENCHANTED IVY cut some storytelling corners that unfortunately made it hard for me to invest in the story as fully as I wanted to.
As far as the premise goes, its extensive, but Sarah Beth Durst does an admirable job of condensing it to a magnitude appropriate for a YA novel. She creatively reimagines Princetons campus as one containing magical secrets in the most obvious of places. For anyone whos acquainted with the universitys campus, as I am, or anyone who has felt the awe-inspiring austerity of an old and regal college campus, its not much of a stretch to imagine the gargoyles as hibernating magical professors and gateways existing everywhere.
Oh, how I wish this book had gone on for another 200 or so pages! And not exactly because I didnt want it to end, but because I think that had the book been longer, elements of the story could have been explored more thoroughly, and the book wouldnt have given me a harried, rushed feeling as I read it. There is just so much packed into 320 pages that I dont think many elements were allowed breathing room to grow into fully realized beings. Many of the characters seemed like flat projections of people, from the villain of the story to the boys who help Lily on her quest. In particular, when Tye proclaims to Lily within hours of them meeting each other that, due to their similarities, which I wont divulge here because of spoilers, they are obviously soulmates, I wanted to howl, Noooooo! How could you resort to such a paranormal romance cliché?!?! At that point, I still felt so lost with the story that I couldnt fully invest in Tye as a love interest yet. Likewise with the purposes of many other characters.
That was the danger of having the pacing of this book be all snap-snap-snap, one dramatic event/revelation after the other after the other. No sooner was one crucial key to the plot revealed, and I was still digesting it, when another piled on top, and so on. The rushed pacing unfortunately made this book read almost like a parody of its intent: I knew this book couldve been extremely awe-inducing and breath-stealing in the best way, but I couldnt help but feel like it attempted to do too much in too little space that little was allowed to reach its potential.
Still, ENCHANTED IVY had the power to surprise and delight me with its twists, turns, and revelations. If youre the kind of reader who is often ensnared by an incredible premise, action, and a magical gothic-like setting, do give this book a try.
As far as the premise goes, its extensive, but Sarah Beth Durst does an admirable job of condensing it to a magnitude appropriate for a YA novel. She creatively reimagines Princetons campus as one containing magical secrets in the most obvious of places. For anyone whos acquainted with the universitys campus, as I am, or anyone who has felt the awe-inspiring austerity of an old and regal college campus, its not much of a stretch to imagine the gargoyles as hibernating magical professors and gateways existing everywhere.
Oh, how I wish this book had gone on for another 200 or so pages! And not exactly because I didnt want it to end, but because I think that had the book been longer, elements of the story could have been explored more thoroughly, and the book wouldnt have given me a harried, rushed feeling as I read it. There is just so much packed into 320 pages that I dont think many elements were allowed breathing room to grow into fully realized beings. Many of the characters seemed like flat projections of people, from the villain of the story to the boys who help Lily on her quest. In particular, when Tye proclaims to Lily within hours of them meeting each other that, due to their similarities, which I wont divulge here because of spoilers, they are obviously soulmates, I wanted to howl, Noooooo! How could you resort to such a paranormal romance cliché?!?! At that point, I still felt so lost with the story that I couldnt fully invest in Tye as a love interest yet. Likewise with the purposes of many other characters.
That was the danger of having the pacing of this book be all snap-snap-snap, one dramatic event/revelation after the other after the other. No sooner was one crucial key to the plot revealed, and I was still digesting it, when another piled on top, and so on. The rushed pacing unfortunately made this book read almost like a parody of its intent: I knew this book couldve been extremely awe-inducing and breath-stealing in the best way, but I couldnt help but feel like it attempted to do too much in too little space that little was allowed to reach its potential.
Still, ENCHANTED IVY had the power to surprise and delight me with its twists, turns, and revelations. If youre the kind of reader who is often ensnared by an incredible premise, action, and a magical gothic-like setting, do give this book a try.
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
Lily Carter comes from a long line of Princeton alumnus, so of course Princeton is her dream school, as well. During a visit to the university, Lily's grandfather has a surprise for her - if Lily can pass the Legacy Test, she will win automatic acceptance into Princeton.
All she has to do is find the Ivy Key. Lily has no idea what that even means, but sets off to complete her quest.
When she meets a cute boy named Ty, who has tiger striped hair, and starts hearing the Princeton gargoyles talk to her, Lily begins to uncover the school's secrets. There are actually two Princetons - and passage through the gate can lead someone from one side to the other - but, of course, the Key is needed.
The two Princetons are supposed to keep each other safe and keep their secret, but not everyone is working to make that happen. As strange things from another place start to appear on campus, Lily is soon caught between both worlds.
The worlds Sarah Beth Durst creates are always a joy to read! ENCHANTED IVY takes a normal setting and gives it a magical twist. There is a lot of college talk, so younger readers might not understand the setting completely, and the story has somewhat of a slow start, but stick with it and the book takes off. There are lots of secrets, and it's fun to uncover the Princeton in the world we know and the parallel Princeton that is full of magic.
There are several twists that will keep readers guessing. Those looking for a stand-alone fantasy with a bit of romance and a lot of action will find an engaging tale in ENCHANTED IVY.
Lily Carter comes from a long line of Princeton alumnus, so of course Princeton is her dream school, as well. During a visit to the university, Lily's grandfather has a surprise for her - if Lily can pass the Legacy Test, she will win automatic acceptance into Princeton.
All she has to do is find the Ivy Key. Lily has no idea what that even means, but sets off to complete her quest.
When she meets a cute boy named Ty, who has tiger striped hair, and starts hearing the Princeton gargoyles talk to her, Lily begins to uncover the school's secrets. There are actually two Princetons - and passage through the gate can lead someone from one side to the other - but, of course, the Key is needed.
The two Princetons are supposed to keep each other safe and keep their secret, but not everyone is working to make that happen. As strange things from another place start to appear on campus, Lily is soon caught between both worlds.
The worlds Sarah Beth Durst creates are always a joy to read! ENCHANTED IVY takes a normal setting and gives it a magical twist. There is a lot of college talk, so younger readers might not understand the setting completely, and the story has somewhat of a slow start, but stick with it and the book takes off. There are lots of secrets, and it's fun to uncover the Princeton in the world we know and the parallel Princeton that is full of magic.
There are several twists that will keep readers guessing. Those looking for a stand-alone fantasy with a bit of romance and a lot of action will find an engaging tale in ENCHANTED IVY.
Lily Carter has always wanted to go to Princeton University. As a high school junior she gets a chance to visit the campus and her life completely changes when she meets were-tiger Tye.
I read this in one sitting (while on jury duty) and it totally grabbed me from the first page and held me engrossed and amazed all the way until the end. This is an interesting and entertaining stand alone book with a really cool take on the Fae. It really was spectacular and it's too bad it's a stand alone as it would have been a terrific series starter.
I read this in one sitting (while on jury duty) and it totally grabbed me from the first page and held me engrossed and amazed all the way until the end. This is an interesting and entertaining stand alone book with a really cool take on the Fae. It really was spectacular and it's too bad it's a stand alone as it would have been a terrific series starter.
I really enjoyed this book. It keeps you engaged and interested. Well worth the read!!!
