Enchantée
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries – and magicians . . .
When smallpox kills her parents, seventeen-year-old Camille is left to provide for her frail sister and her volatile brother. In desperation, she survives by using the petty magic she learnt from her mother. But when her brother disappears Camille decides to pursue a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
Using dark magic Camille transforms herself into the ‘Baroness de la Fontaine‘ and presents herself at the court of Versaille, where she soon finds herself swept up in a dizzying life of riches, finery and suitors. But Camille’s resentment of the rich is at odds with the allure of their glamour and excess, and she soon discovers that she’s not the only one leading a double life . . .
Enchantée is a compelling historical fantasy and is Gita Trelease's debut novel.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
On the cusp of the French Revolution, 17-year-old Camille Durbonne and her 15-year-old sister are struggling to survive after being orphaned, then robbed by their abusive alcoholic brother. Camille has been using la magie ordinaire to transform metal scraps into coin, but getting caught when it changes back is a constant threat, and the rent is far past due. With the help of more dangerous magic, her mother's enchanted dress, and a few drops of blood, Camille infiltrates Marie Antoinette's court in disguise. There, her talent for manipulating cards fills her pockets with currency. Rebellion is in Camille's blood, and she's shocked to find herself befriending young nobles despite their politics of privilege. But as she becomes addicted to the magic and the opportunities it affords, Camille begins to wonder about the price of freedom. While debut author Trelease's twist on the Cinderella story offers some diversity with gay and biracial characters Camille's love interest is an aeronaut of French and Indian descent too much attention is given to the minutiae and intrigue of court life, leaving themes of diversity under-explored. Nevertheless, Camille's desire to be a voice of change for the oppressed will resonate. Ages 12 up.)
