PALACE OF MIRRORS

In this semi-sequel to 1999’s Just Ella, which imagined what happens after Cinderella moves to the Prince’s palace, readers meet another Cinderella-like character, this one raised to believe that she is the true princess of the realm at war with Ella’s kingdom. Fourteen-year-old Cecelia lives as a commoner, hidden in a remote village and tutored by kind Sir Stephen until she can claim her throne. When danger arises, naïve Cecelia decides to pursue her promised fate. The narrative slowly builds suspense mixed with comedy as Cecelia and her best friend, a boy named Harper, slog over the wet countryside to the capital city, arriving looking even more ragged than usual. Haddix isn’t content with a simple solution to Cecelia’s problem; she concocts several further dilemmas, gets poor Cecelia ever filthier and introduces savvy Ella on a state visit to help untangle the plot woven by the late queen. Completely unexpected results emerge. Plenty of fun here from a superior author. (Fantasy. 10-14)