HIDDEN MAGIC P [Hardcover]

I loved it, too, but in retrospect, the book is a trifle misleading. I mean, the title of the book is better suited to the cover picture, and the cover picture is better suited to the title, than either is to the actual story.

It's a charming picture with a charming title. The substance of the tale -- a country princess trying to get a foppish prince out of trouble with the help of an absent-minded magician and the hindrance of a couple of witches -- is, however, rather fluffy (in spite of how much fun the synopsis is), and slightly too predictable. Anyone reading fairy-tale sendoffs should expect a certain amount of predictability, of course, but in some places I could guess exactly what was going to happen chapters ahead of the actual event. And it's kind of a letdown when you expect something to happen, and read through the several pages or chapters pre-event, only to find exactly - and only - what you expected.

Vivian Van Velde's trademark blend of gentle humor, sharp wit, quirky characters, and that teensy bit of grimness is still here, but not in enough abundance to justify the book's outward appearance.

On the other hand, those are the only things I can really think of to say against the book.

In spite of appearances, I'm actually a huge fan of Van Velde's work. Even her lesser works (<i>Companions of the Night</i>, anyone?) show off her genuinely unique powers of imagination.

And, I like her style.

Vivian Van Velde, as much as I've whined here, you rock!

So begins Vivian Vande Velde's fairy tale, A Hidden Magic. As you might expect, Jennifer meets Prince Charming who is immediately bowled over by her grace and beauty. The two marry and live happily ever after, having perfect children who someday grow up to have perfect children of their own. Well, okay, so Prince Charming isn't really bowled over by her beauty. And he isn't really that charming. In fact, I've rarely met a more egotistical (self-centered) stuck up prig in my life. But he is pretty to look at, and to a young somewhat homely girl like Jennifer that seems important.

This story is an obvious parody (misrepresentation) of the standard fairy tale. A Hidden Magic feels somewhat predictable at times. This book is almost exactly the opposite of the standard "handsome prince rescues princess" story, which we are all used to reading and in its attempt to parody it loses much in the way of originality.

The characters are:
Jennifer, a princess who's a bit homely and works at her father's old, run-down castle. Later, when she is faced with adversity (difficulty), she reacts well, keeping her goal in mind and doing her best to achieve it. She has a chubby, good-natured kind of face that parents would tend to call nice and sweet disposition (character) and really is quite a likable girl, but certainly isn't your typical princess.

Prince Alexander is a bold, arrogant (self-centered), proud, exquisite to look at and totally aware of it, and generally a royal pain. Women fall all over him and her knows it. He feels superior to everyone because he is the son of the king who reigns in a very wealthy place. He has curly golden hair, deep blue eyes, and very broad shoulders. In many ways, he is a very stereotypical (trite) royal.

Norman had the ability to change shape with the help of the ring that the old sorcerer gave him. But, underneath his outward appearance, he is always the same rather young and lonely sorcerer. Norman is steadfast (dedicated), loyal, clever, and has a good sense of humor. He is willing to make sacrifices for those he cares for.

The Magical Mirror serves the evil witch, living in one of her many residences in the enchanted forest. He has little patience for stupidity and dishonesty and reacts badly when Prince Alexander tries to steal him. He leaves Jennifer with a riddle to help her save the prince.

Malveenya, the evil witch, is known as the most evil creature in the enchanted forest. The townspeople erected a magical wall to keep her in the enchanted forest and away from civilized folks because of her propensity (tendency) for damage. The owner of the magical mirror, Norman and Jennifer must eventually face Malveenya in their quest to rescue the not-so-charming prince.