Enna Burning

Having re-read this book for what must be the thirteenth time yesterday, I feel compelled to tell you why you should, no, must read this book.

"Enna Burning" is just like all of Shannon Hale's novels. Meaning it is spellbinding. It's one of those rare books that does more than just captivate you. It stays with you even after you finish reading. This is most likely because of the book's originality. Shannon Hale combines beautiful, detailed writing with a rich, delicious story line. Though the story's true merits lie with its characters. For the first time in a long time, I have found a book where the characters don't just share one personality. But instead each have a distinct persona of their own. You begin to wonder if this isn't really fiction, everything about the story is so vivid and alive it's hard to believe anyone could make it up.

Enna Burning is a companion to Shannon Hale's stunning debut novel "The Goose Girl" and begins where The Goose Girl left off. Though it's not a sequel. Instead it is a new adventure starring Enna a familiar character from the last book. Shannon Hale begins the story with Enna's desire to do something more with her life. Unfortunately war is threatening her beloved country of Bayern and Enna's brother Leifer has discovered the great and terrible power of fire speech. Enna must decide if she also wants this power. Can she use it to aid her friends or will the flames consume her and everything she holds dear?

This book truly is a masterpiece. Shannon Hale has painted a world of heroes and magic that will never cease to enchant. In short, Enna Burning is a fairy tale for people who think they are to old for fairy tales, or who have forgotten what it's like to be spellbound by another person's magical universe.