Elodie of Lahnt is leaving her family to travel to the capital of Lepai, a place called Two Castles. She has been instructed to apprentice herself to a weaver, but Elodie has other plans. She has long dreamed of being a mansioner (an actor). But as early as her sea voyage away from home, it becomes apparent that things will not go as she planned. Apprenticeships now must be paid for, and Elodie does not have the resources to purchase one. Upon arriving, she soon finds her fashions outdated, her money taken by a thieving cat and her mother’s warning about a “whited sepulcher” echoing in her head. Her mother was most insistent that Elodie be wary of of a white sepulcher, a person who seems good, but is actually evil. Fearful of trusting anyone, Elodie does not know what to do. Of course, things have a way of happening, even if you don’t have a plan, and before long, Elodie finds herself in the employ of a genderless dragon who derives great joy from solving riddles and making deductions. As it turns out, both she and the dragon have a great deal of work to do, as a kind and wealthy ogre has gone missing and foul play is suspected. Elodie must use her smarts to solve the mystery and save Two Castles.
This was very different from the other books I’ve read by Gail Carson Levine. It was quite slow at parts despite generally being interesting, but I don’t know if the slowness will discourage young readers. I will say that she has continued to portray girls as intelligent and able to help themselves, which I always enjoy. This book is also without a romantic angle, which is great, but also may be disappointing to fans of Levine who are used to the fairy-tale romance side of many of her books. I would recommend this for grades 4 and up.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – Some men are referred to as handsome. The princess is repeatedly betrothed.
Profanity – None.
Death, Violence and Gore – Ogres might dine on townsfolk. The ogre states he wants no broken bones or flattened heads. Lodie worries about becoming chunks on a dragon skewer. A child once died because of an ogre’s actions. The dragon roasts and eats a hare. A butcher cuts up a lamb for dinner; blood runs from the meat off the table. An ox is badly injured and bleeding. There is much fear that the ogre will be murdered. Elodie is in danger while investigating what has happened to the ogre. A girl is slapped across the face. A man is poisoned. A dragon is shot with an arrow. The man who is poisoned coughs up blood.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – None.
Frightening or Intense Things – None.
