Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst



 Amazon Product Description:

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.

When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.

I liked the character of Lily a great deal. She does have some room to grow (provided of course there is a sequel), but she is after all on 16. However, sometimes her innocence is frustrating – she always seems to trust the wrong people.

It’s hard to believe so much takes place in the space of one weekend – there is so much going on – Lily’s Legacy Test, the battle, and hidden secrets.

Of course there is a love interest – two actually with an unexpected twist.  Tye – a were-tiger and Jake, a freshman at Princeton. 

Enchanted Ivy is a fast paced, engaging read – so engaging it leaves the reader wanting more.  While some of the secrets are revealed, there are others to be explored.

If you like fantasy, this is a must read. 


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