One rule of fairy tales is “beware of strangers bearing gifts-especially little old ladies and cute kids.” Dorthea forgets this momentarily and causes magic in the world and the fairy tales to run amuck. Dorthea finally gets out, but it’s not how she would have liked. Instead, Dorthea shops endlessly and feels no obligation to her people. Of course, leaving the palace could cause the world to end, which is what is supposed to happen if the Emerald Princess leaves, according to the spell. All she wants is to see what’s outside and get away from the neverending princes wanting her hand. She’s been spelled and cannot leave the palace. Spelled is a mashup of fairy tales.There are rules to being a princess in a fairy tale, and Dorthea is tired of them. Spelled will take you on a magical adventure that will keep you on your red-ruby-heeled toes. While Spelled has some adult themes, it is written for a young adult audience. It’s full of funny and creative fairy tale puns, mixing up many different fantasy worlds to create a story where a spoiled princess must grow to be the heroine that can save her country, her family, and herself. Good Grimm, you can really tell that Betsy Schow had fun writing this book. Dot gets so pixed off that she makes a wish on a (secretly) cursed star that sends her world tumbling through a tornado of changes. Dot, as her closest friends call her, finds out that her parents have arranged a marriage for her with the gross Prince Kato.

She has lived a charmed life, always getting the newest Hans Christian Louboutin shoes and designer ball gowns.

Spelled follows the story of Dorothea, the Princess of the Emerald Castle. I received an Advance Reader Copy from Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

Spelled by betsy schow