Dorian Alphin Alphin itibaren Hosenabad, West Bengal, Hindistan
I adored this story, possibly more than Dragon Slippers, although for different reasons. Castle Glower is a sentient castle and has a way of making its wishes, likes and dislikes known. 11 year old Princess Celie has long been the Castle's favorite. She's been trying to map it, a difficult objective when it can create and rearrange rooms at will. When her parents and oldest brother are apparently killed, her next oldest brother, always the heir apparent, is given a coronation but Celie quickly uncovers a plot to kill him and put an alternative on the throne. Can she, with the Castle's help, put a stop to it? Or will Castle Glower's enemies win the day? The story is clever. Celie is both mature for her age and very much a child. A typical pre-teen. Although I didn't think the story showed her parents in their best light, it did show the siblings' resourcefulness which never seemed forced. Celie is also a strong heroine who doesn't hesitate to stand up for what's right. While this should appeal to middle grades of all genders, it's a must read for girls.
A little slow in places, but with so much good information that you don't mind that much. You get used to the pace as events start happening more and more quickly as he moves chronologically forward in time.