To happy endings...however they arise! (The Fairy Godmother - Mercedes Lackey)

Member Name: kelr101

Product:	The Fairy Godmother - Mercedes Lackey
Date:	29/08/06 (197 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An enchanting fairytale with a dash of adventure, and a sprinkling of romance

Disadvantages: An easy read

*The Five Hundred Kingdoms and its Tradition*


Elena Klovis, step-daughter of Madame Klovis and step-sister to Delphinium and Daphne, quaintly nickname the Horrid Stepsisters despite them being attractive in an interesting kind of way, was supposed to be her kingdom's Cinderella - unfortunately fate didn't agree and left her with completely inappropriate choices of princes. Although Otraria was one of the most pleasant of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, sometimes Tradition and fate have a way of seeking to cause the most damage, rather than reward, this was evident in the fact the Elena, despite feeling the threads of Tradition weaving around her from the age of 16 had been denied her chosen path.

Because of this, Elena worked her fingers to the bone for Madame Klovis, and The Horrid Sisters…reminiscent of the Cinderella fairy tale…but never being allowed to pursue the Tradition of finding a prince. Thankfully, Madame and her daughters soon felt the need to depart from Otraria due to their inability to retain the wealth and fortune of Elena's father (and their keen desire to spend!), and their desire to escape the debt collectors. Unfortunate Elena was left on her own, in a house that had been ravaged of anything of value, even her tiny attic room which barely contained any personal possessions as it was. Not being of the same thread as Madame and her daughters, Elena, a 21 year old woman with no education, or hope of Tradition finding her, decides to enlist at the local "Mop" fair in the hope that she'll be hired as someone's servant, because at least this way she'll be paid for her share of the hard work.

When the day finally arrived, Elena despite spending a tortuous day at the "Mop" fair still presented a brave, opportune face as she remained the last to be selected. Here is where fate finally decided to intervene, and her own fairy godmother decided to provide a little help, and offer Elena the most unexpected job.



"Elena thought about the tension she had been feeling for so many years. Was that magic?

The old lady nodded with satisfaction. "So. You have felt it. All over the Five Hundred Kingdoms there have been countless girls like you for whom the circumstances were not right. And magic keeps gathering around them, trying to make it work - and by the way, we call that The Tradition"



Now instead of sleeping in the tiny attic, Elena spends her days in a house that from the outside appears to be a small cottage, but expands to a multitude of rooms on the inside, living alongside Brownies, and dealing with arrogant princes who keep trying to change their place in The Tradition.


*Sometimes a Fairy Godmother's work is never done*

A Fairy Godmother's work is not just about diverting the path of Tradition, but of helping those in needs in the Five Hundred Kingdoms. From simple pleasures as tending Unicorns, and making herbal remedies, to creating enchantments to ensure the Tradition is satisfied with its tale.


"The Princess will awaken with her hair binding her to her bed, so knotted that she cannot move" - Enough of a curse to satisfy the Tradition


"Scissors will be blunted, knives useless, and not any of her handmaidens will be able to loosen so much as a single hair. All will seem lost" - This provided the despair the Tradition needed.


"No man's hand will free her" - a sly trick on words, meaning a female could assist…Tradition likes these quirky loopholes.


As well as diverting the path of Tradition, Elena was also involved in the Quest of young Princes who were seeking their own paths to follow, whether it is untangling the knotted hair, fighting dragons to reach the castle, or finding the one princess that bruises when lead atop a hundred mattresses atop a single pea. Here is where the tale of Elena, really becomes interesting as she tests the young men on their quest before allowing them to proceed…what will become of young Octavian, Alexander and Julian.


*An enchanting tale*

Despite the work and tales detailed above, I have barely touched upon the lives and work of Elena, Fairy Godmother in the Five Hundred Kingdoms. The novel is written in such a way that twists and turns are continually apparent, and as the reader persists finds themselves recognising fairy tales from childhood but with an adult perspective. Speaking of which there are several more adult style pages but they are written in a tasteful way so as not to offend.

The main character Elena Klovis stems from a simple, hardworking life, and despite the fantastic opportunity she has accepted, her way of life never deviates from this goodness. There are some excellent, humorous scenes in the book; in particular those regarding unicorns are their personal fetish of only being attracted to virgins.

Character descriptions are all very well thought out, even if the main male lead is typically handsome, strong and rather well designed - oh he is incredibly arrogant though…but this is a Fairy Tale and why not allow for a little romantic enhancement.

Mercedes Lackey is a renowned fantasy writer, and although her work isn't as popular over here she has an incredible fan base in the US. Because of her years experience at writing fantasy, this book almost flows from her fingertips, and whilst this isn't a bad thing, it does make the writing quite simplistic at times, and very easy to read. I personally devoured the tale of "The Fairy Godmother", partly because of my love for fairytales and romance, but partly because I personally found it an easy to read novel.

I must admit I have now read "The Fairy Godmother" several times because I fell in love with the characters and because I'm a lover of fairy tales. In a world such as today where we would rather execute someone than listen, is it no wonder I like to escape from realism. Thankfully Mercedes Lackey has written a sequel…although this isn't due until December 2006.

For those who enjoy fantasy type novels, interjected with a little romance, would be well advised to purchase "The Fairy Godmother". It's a healthy dose of fairy tales, combined with a little love story, and a sprinkling of romance, ensure the Five Hundred Kingdoms remains true to Tradition…a tale you don't want to miss.


*Availability*

Mercedes Lackey "The Fairy Godmother" is available from Amazon for £3.67 (an unusual price, but she predominately sells in the US).

Her follow-up novel "One Good Knight", continuing with the Five Hundred Kingdoms, will be available to purchase from December 2006.


*Praise for Mercedes Lackey*

"Lackey has created an intelligent, self possessed heroine with whom many readers will identify" - Publishers Weekly

"…proving why she's an acknowledged master of her craft with this awesome take on the world of fairytales" - Romantic Times

Summary: An enchanting adult fairy tale