Review: Amaranth Enchantment

Title: The Amaranth Enchantment

Author: Julie Berry

Narrator: Celeste Ciulla

Date completed: 2/8/2016

While reading some more emotionally heavy and theological works, I went looking for a light-hearted YA book to listen to on my commute, while I cleaned house, played with the dog, etc. Since I had already used my Audible credit for the month, I browsed the library's limited selection of eAudiobooks. I stumbled across the Amaranth Enchantment and it sounded like it fit the bill of light YA fantasy.

I probably would have loved this book had I read it in my tween years. Strong female protagonist, some adventure, a pinch of magic, and a little romance. The plot, pacing, and structure of the novel wasn't particularly enthralling to my adult sensibilities though.

The story is loosely based on Cinderella, but all the additions to make it different/unique don't make it a better story. The whole alternate universe wasn't really necessary and significant page time was spent on setting it up and it didn't add to the plot at all. Also, what's with the preternatural goat?

P.S. The narrator's voice suited the book well, but the audio engineers really should have taken out the sounds of her swallowing. You could hear it every time! #petpeeve