Release Date: September 20th, 2011
Genre:  Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Greenwillow
Pages: 423
Rating:
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Summary:

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do

Blurb: A story of beauty and growth unlike any other.

Review: I adored this book. It was so interesting! We're given Elisa, a girl who doesn't feel like she can do what she's expected to do, but she's willing to try. I loved that. This is a girl who knows she's not the prettiest, smartest, or strongest, but she's always willing to try and do what's right. So admirable!

In the beginning of the book I wasn't her biggest fan. She had a lot of faults that grated on me. I really struggle with people who don't have very good self-control (this would be why I don't like most romance books). Elisa is very overweight because she can't control how much she eats (or chooses not to? I don't know. I don't really understand it). But as the book progressed it was wonderful to see her develop into a strong, powerful woman. She recognized her faults, and wasn't able to magically overcome them but she didn't expect to. Of course, she did have a little help with the eating thing... don't want to give it away, though.

Be warned, if you're looking for a romance... be warned. This book is tricksy in that department. I almost threw it across the room at one point. You can ask if you want more info, but I don't want to say any more for fear of spoilers.

This is a great book for teen girls who may be struggling with their self-esteem. I think they could relate to Elisa and easily get lost in this beautiful story.



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