Enraged, the god transforms his gift into a curse: Cassandra’s visions will never be believed.Īfter horrifying images of coming war and death pour into her mind, and with no one to heed her warnings, Cassandra risks her safety again and again to avert the disaster awaiting Troy.īut it will take years-and the friendship of an Amazon warrior princess named Rin-for Cassandra to find hope of success in reversing the course of the war. Apollo asks to love her in exchange for giving her future sight, and she agrees-but recoils when he kisses her. An entirely delightful read.This latest novel from Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine about two princesses battling against their fates in the middle of the Trojan War is a must-read for anyone who loves Greek mythology or the Percy Jackson books!Ĭassandra, a princess of Troy and follower of Apollo, is delighted when the god himself appears to her. I'd highly recommend it to girls and women alike. Instead, it deals with this issue - knowing you don't measure up to society's standard of beauty - with an authentic voice and beautiful truths (without giving too much away, things like your looks don't have to define you, and that there are worse things to be than unpretty and that people love all sorts of looks).I adore the way this story ended, and it's no wonder it is now one of my daughter's favourites. (Hate that concept - what is pretty on the inside, anyway?). But unlike other stories with a less attractive lead female, the answer isn't ultimately to 'fix' her, nor to see she's 'pretty on the inside'. But most of all, I loved the message it's leaving the girls who read it.For once, we have a kind, good, strong heroine who doesn't just imagine she's not pretty - she actually isn't - at least, according to the world's standards.

I loved the characters and the twist on the fairytale genre. I found it completely enthralling.I loved the writing and the storytelling (I read this in one day - could not put it down). My daughter (who is 9 yrs old) read this book from her school library and absolutely loved it.

Gail carson levine books