Marabel and the Book of Fate

By: Tracy Barrett

Narrated by: Cassandra Morris

Free-spirited Marabel must defy expectations to rescue her brother--and their kingdom--in this charming, action-packed, and magical story perfect for fans of Ella Enchanted and Dealing with Dragons.

In Magikos, life is dictated by the Book of Fate's ancient predictions, including the birth of a royal Chosen One who will save the realm. Princess Marabel has grown up in the shadow of her twin brother, Marco, who everyone assumes is the true Chosen One. While Marco is adored and given every opportunity, Marabel is overlooked and has to practice her sword fighting in secret.

But on the night of their thirteenth birthday, Marco is kidnapped by an evil queen, and Marabel runs to his rescue. Outside the castle walls for the first time, accompanied by her best friend and a very smug unicorn, Marabel embarks on a daring mission that brings her face-to-face with fairies, trolls, giants--and the possibility that all is not as it seems in Magikos.

Critic reviews

Praise for Marabel and the Book of Fate:

"This fantasy title empowers as much as it entertains...an engrossing, laugh-filled adventure."—SLJ

"As with her other endeavors, Barrett ably gives the genre a good tweak and skewers traditional expectations... Funny and exciting, Marabel and the Book of Fate is a hit."—BookPage

"...a neat addition to any fantasy-fan's library."—Booklist

"[A] series opener that pits fate against free will, touches on prejudice and patriarchy, and has fun with fairy tale tropes....offers food for thought on an array of valuable topics."—Publishers Weekly

"Young readers will enjoy the modern day references, such as a video game called Impcraft and bracelets that accept phone calls, that are mixed with common fairy tale themes."—School Library Connection

"The tongue-in-cheek reinterpretation of contemporary politics adds a fresh layer to this story of palace intrigue and adventures in an enchanted land."—Horn Book

"...[a] funny and heartfelt fantasy tale."—B&N Kids Blog

All in all a fun read. Would definitely recommend

Marabel comes off as ur generic rebellious princess at first glance, but the book pleasantly subverts that trope along with other ones. The ending was a bit anticlimactic but all in all, the story is a cute, fun lighthearted adventure and you can't ask for more than that, really.

Decent MG story

Listened to this book with my daughters, ages 10 and 8. They enjoyed the story a great deal.

Overall, Ms. Morris did an excellent job of portraying the characters. I found the main characters amusing and enjoyable, but the setting was such an odd mix of fantasy and modern world that I just couldn't feel immersed in it, and I kept getting pulled out of the story.

Kids will enjoy the quirky characters and spunky, strong heroine, and they'll find the mix of modern and fantasy amusing. Adults, maybe not so much.