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Cover of No Place for Magic

No Place for Magic

First published 2006 · 272 pages

A charming and humorous fairy tale adventure where a resourceful princess must rely on her wits to save the day and rediscover the strength of her relationship.

What it feels like

Reading this book feels like stepping into a delightfully fractured fairy tale where humor and adventure take center stage. The pace is brisk and spirited, carrying the reader through a whimsical landscape populated by trolls, sea-monsters, and vampires. Despite the chaotic magical world, the emotional core remains grounded in the relatable frustrations of navigating family expectations and relationship insecurities. The prose is lively and accessible, perfectly tailored for younger readers who appreciate a plucky, resourceful protagonist forced to rely on her own cleverness when magic is off the table. It is an utterly charming experience that will delight fans of lighthearted fantasy who love seeing a brave princess take charge and reaffirm her bond with a loyal prince.

Mood
  • whimsical
  • magical
  • playful
  • spirited
Tone
  • humorous
  • charming
  • lighthearted
  • adventurous
Pace
brisk
Themes
proving one's worth · navigating relationship insecurities · relying on cleverness over magic · unlikely alliances
The writing
Accessible and lively, blending fairy tale tropes with a modern, humorous sensibility suited for younger readers.
The arc
Moves from chaotic insecurity and frustration to a reaffirmed, confident bond built on bravery and mutual trust.
Who it's for
Young readers who love fractured fairy tales packed with humor, magical creatures, and plucky, resourceful princesses.
Content notes
  • kidnapping
  • fantasy violence

About the book

When Emma and her beloved frog-turned-prince Eadric travel to Upper Montevista to ask for Eadric's parents' blessing on their marriage, they find his homeland in chaos: Eadric's annoying little brother Bradston has been kidnapped by trolls! Worse, his mother won't let Emma use magic, even to rescue Bradston, and Eadric seems suddenly a bit too fond of the girls from his past. But as they travel through unfriendly lands, battle sea-monsters and vampires, and find allies in unlikely places, Emma just might come to see her Eadric for the strong and loyal young man that he is. With a dose of bravery and a few clever tricks both magic and not, Princess Emma takes center stage again in this utterly charming and surprising tale.

Description from Open Library.

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