Series: Ella Enchanted #0.5
Published by HarperCollins on October 16, 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Format: Audiobook, eBook, ARC
Source: Library, Publisher
Evie is happiest when she is healing people, diagnosing symptoms, and prescribing medications, with the help of her devoted friend (and test subject) Wormy. So when Wormy unexpectedly proposes to her, she kindly turns him down; she has far too much to do to be marrying anyone. And besides, she simply isn’t in love with him.
But a certain meddling fairy named Lucinda has been listening in, and she doesn’t approve of Evie’s rejection. Suddenly, Evie finds herself transformed from a girl into a hideous, hungry ogre. Evie now has only sixty-two days to accept another proposal—or else be stuck as an ogre forever.
I received this book for free from the Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I picked up this book because I love Ella Enchanted. This book has the magic, charm, and humor that I remember from Ella Enchanted.
Evie is both independent and romantic. While she initially has no thoughts about pursuing love, her situation forces her to consider what she looks for in a spouse.
I felt like I was reading the true love version of P.D. Eastman’s Are You My Mother? Evie is naive about love; plus, she’s on a deadline to accept a proposal. So every person she meets, every time she gets a tingle, she wonders if she’s found her true love. It loses its charm and gets repetitive after the first couple of times, but I did find it humorous. I do like her strong support system, which is all the more valuable given her precarious situation as an ogre.
There are Easter Egg appearances from Ella Enchanted. Some are fabulous as always (like Mandy); others are younger and more terrible versions of themselves (I won’t spoil them now). Nevertheless, I still enjoyed learning more about their younger years and the foreshadowing of their fates in Ella Enchanted.
In the end, Evie’s journey comes around full circle. I enjoyed the message that, sometimes, we need to go on an adventure to learn what we need. And that, sometimes, what we need has been right in front of us this whole time.
Note: I partially listened to this one via audiobook (which I checked out from the library). The audiobook is narrated by January LaVoy. Her voice adds spunk and humor to the narration; it was a lot of fun to hear. It brighted my long commute to/from work!
Let’s Chat
📚 Do you enjoy fairytale reads?
📚 Have you Ella Enchanted or Ogre Enchanted?
Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts says
OMG, I wasn’t aware Ella Enchanted had a prequel! But wow… it’s been um… over 20 years since the book has been published and the cover looks more awesome. Glad to hear Ogre Enchanted brings the magic, charm and humor from the first book.
Sorry to hear A Curse So Dark and Lonely wasn’t for you! I’m not a huge fan of characters falling flat, and I’m still on the fence with picking up this book despite the fact it sounds amazing (and the cover equally so).
Crystal says
I definitely wouldn’t have made the connection based off the cover! To be honest, I barely remember the plot to Ella Enchanted. I wish I’d reread it before reading this one. It would have made it so much more interesting (because I’m sure I missed out on some of the Easter Eggs from the Ella Enchanted).
I agree. The cover for ACSDaL is fantastic. I think it’d be worth a try. While it wasn’t for me, I know there are bloggers out there who loved it.
Lindsi says
I’m sorry you didn’t like A Curse So Dark and Lonely! I loved that one! I really enjoyed her spin on the fairy tale and look forward to seeing how she continues the series. I also have Letters to the Lost, but haven’t had a chance to read it yet.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Crystal says
I liked the spin on the fairy tale as well. I’d actually be interested in seeing what happens to Gray. There were just other elements that got in the way for me. I hope you enjoy Letters to the Lost!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I didn’t know there was a prequel to Ella Enchanted–I’ll have to check that out! Sorry you weren’t a fan of ACSDaL—I loved it, but it just goes to show how no book can be right for everyone.
Crystal says
Ogre Enchanted is a fun read!
That’s true. It’s why we have so many books out there!
Melliane says
I didn’t know about the first one but now I’m intrigued and I was actually curious about the second because like you I like the author but well…
Crystal says
I hope you enjoy Ogre Enchanted if you get the chance to check it out!
ACSDL was a disappointment, but I’m still willing to give the author another try. I really liked Letters to the Lost.