Review

Enchanted

Common Sense Media says

Complex, unique, and satisfying fairy-tale romance.
Age
12
Quality
 
  • Educational value2
    By weaving together elements of several classic fairy tales, Enchanted may lead readers to connect similar themes that run through various tales, such as the power of love and the need for balance in the spectrum of good and evil. The book's emphasis on the importance of stories may also inspire some to think about their own respect for literature.
  • Positive messages4
    Sunday learns that family relationships and friendships are of the utmost importance, even if that means putting up with sisters who tease or a mother who constantly tells you what to do. Many of the book's characters try to break out of the confines of their class and what's expected of them to ultimately change their destinies.
  • Positive role models4
    Sunday is a dreamer who tends to view the members of her family in black-and-white terms, but as she learns that there's more to each person's story than she initially assumed, she becomes a wiser person capable of generosity and empathy. Rumbold, whose story is told in alternating chapters with Sunday's, uncovers his forgotten history in degrees and, with the help of some loyal friends, realizes that he doesn't have to be the person his elders have always told him he would be, which leads him to make several courageous decisions.
  • Violence3
    Kontis refers in passing to some of the more brutally violent passages of many classic tales, such as the spiked-barrel torture of "The Goose Girl." More chilling, however, is the process by which Enchanted's king retains his youth, which involves stealing others' blood to prolong his own life. There are also some scary supernatural events, including fairies who use their powerful magic to hurt or kill others and ghosts that haunt the living.
  • Sex1
    Some hints at debauchery occurring at a party, but nothing is described in detail. It's also implied that Rumbold was a cad with women before his enchantment took hold of him.
  • Language1
    One character says "damn you" in a playful manner.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Much wine is consumed by the guests at the extravagant balls that the prince throws, and one of Rumbold's friends gets drunk because he feels remorse for putting one of Sunday's sisters in danger.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although fairy godmothers play an important role in Enchanted, they're not the familiar and harmless sort found in Disney movies. There are dark elements to this story that may spook some sensitive readers, and some enchantments cause death. A king steals others' blood to prolong his life, fairies use their powerful magic to hurt or kill people, and ghosts haunt the living. In addition, the complex and layered plot has many characters and stories-within-stories that may be challenging for some to keep track of. However, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a satisfying story.

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Teen, 13 years old
May 7, 2013
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