This is the second book in the Enchanted Forest quartet, and I recently finished reading it for the fourth time. The whole series is brilliant! King Mendanbar's casual stroll through his kingdom, the Enchanted Forest, leads to one thing after another when he discovers somthing seriously amiss. In trying to answer his questions, he meets the extremely practical witch Morwen, who sends him to visit King Kazul of the dragons. He instead encounters the King's resident princess, Cimorene, and reluctantly sets out with her to search for a missing friend. On their way, they meet the magician Telemain (whose sentences generally contain at least three 20-letter words), a giantess, Rumplstilskin's grandson, and many more unforgettable characters. Less fortunate meetings include several wizards, whose intentions are less than good. Add a leaky magic sword, a defective flying carpet, and eight buckets of soapy water with lemon juice. This is truly one of my all-time favorite books!

After meeting the irrepressible Cimorene, Chief Cook and Librarian to Kazul and formerly Princess of Linderwall, in Book One (Dealing with Dragons) of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, you can't help wanting to get to the rest of the quartet. The second volume begins with two problems. King Mendanbar of the Enchanted Forest notices his kingdom is being scorched away, apparently by a dragon. Going to consult the King of the Dragons, he meets Cimorene preparing to set out on a search for Kazul, who is missing. They decide they must join forces, even though Mendanbar is as phobic of princesses as Cimorene is of princes. On their journey they meet the coolest witch ever, a tech-geek magician, a bucking magic carpet, a leaky sword, a giant with a career crisis, Herman (formerly-known-as-Rumplestiltskin), and of course, wizards.

Patricia Wrede has written another tongue-in-cheek story incorporating familiar fairy tales with a clever twist. Her humor and details are dead-on as usual as expected by this thorough and thoroughly enjoyable author. You want to keep the next two books, Calling on Dragons and Talking to Dragons close at hand. I don't have any more to say because you can only do justice to these wonderful books by reading them - again and again!

Cimorene is back, and this time there are more entertaining characters, more plot surprises, and more soapy lemon water! When King Mendenbar finds a section of his realm, the Enchanted Forest, suspiciously burned, he seeks Kazul, King of the dragons, for help in catching the culprit after helpful advice from the witch Morwen. When he gets there, however, he discovers that Kazul is missing, and he and the dragon king's Chief cook and librarian, Cimorene, embark on a journey to rescue Kazul, who is most likely in the custody of wizards. On the way, they come across a malfunctioning magic carpet, a highly technical magician, and many other new and interesting characters. The story is extremely well written and a ton of fun. A must read, the 2nd book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Searching for Dragons is no disappointment.

This book was one of the best books I have read. I love historical fiction and this book portrays a lot of real facts and still makes it interesting. Everybody always refers to her as horrible bloody mary, but she had a reason that she turned out like that. She was mad at her father, and at the people who harmed her and her loved ones, so she got back at them. They took everything away from her until she was left with nothing. She was hurt and psychologically messed up and that is the reason that she behaved the way she did later on in life. I mean look at all the other kings and queens! There are lots more worse than she was and they never got a title like 'bloody mary'. I've also read Elizabeth 1 from the Royal Diaries series and I can't come to a conclusion which one I like better, but I'll keep pondering it until I do! Read this BOOK!!!

This is a first-person account of "Bloody Mary", Queen Elizabeth I's older half-sister. "Mary, Bloody Mary" is fun to read and very well-written. I especially like the parts when she is excluded from her father's love. It really makes you feel for Mary - especially because it's all true! Although I have always disliked Mary for her cruelty to Elizabeth, this book gave a sympathetic look at how Anne Boleyn (and eventually Elizabeth) took away Mary's rights. While I was reading this book I, too, started to feel sorry for Mary, but it ended too soon for me to really feel sorry for her. And the epilogue reminded me that no matter how rotten a deal Mary got because of Anne Boleyn, she had no right to be so mean to Elizabeth (and the countless other people she murdered - hence "Bloody Mary").

This book was an excellent hisorical fiction novel. It tells about Mary Tudor from when she was about 10 - 20, when her life as a princess is awful. Her father, Henry the eighth, takes a mistress, Anne, and she pretty much ruins Mary's life. When Henry marries Anne, Mary becomes illegitimate, and she becomes a servant to their child, after being banished for years.

Once you read this book you can tell why Mary became who she did in her later life. Plus this book made this bit of history very interesting!

This was a great book, and I'd recommend it for ages 12 and up. If you liked this, you'd probably like to read "Elizabeth, Red Rose of the House of Tudor" a Royal Diary that tells about Mary's half sister.

As an Education major and child care employee, I have scoured book stores and book fairs to find quality literature for use in the classroom. I often utilize the preschool children that I work with as "guinea pigs" and rate thier reactions to such literature. They loved the Paper Bag Princess! Although I brought the entire Munschworks collection to school last week, I was asked (and often ordered) to read only thie particular story each day, and often several times in a day.
The children were filled with laughter at various points in the story, especially when I would flip to the page in which Elizabeth tricks the dragon into using up all of his firey dragon breath-the children would instantly yell out, "He doesn't have enough dragon breath to cook a meatball...ha ha ha".
By the middle of the week, the children were reciting this story to thier friends and parents, and even acting it out (they enjoyed calling each other bums at the end). Munsch stories are truly a delight for any classroom or individual child's library!

I found this children's book very understandable to read, and follow along with. The book had great pictures for a easier following of the storyline, and great illustrations make a book even more of a joy to read. Being a 19 year old teenager reading a child's novel for the first time in 13 years, made me remember some of the books I had read as a child. I think that this book shows a good example of how to use your brain instead of fighting. Children need to be able to see that there are other methods of resolving a situation without turning to violence. This book show a good example of how the princess outsmarted the dragon in order to try to save the prince. I think if parents would teach their children this same methods, then there wouldn't be any violence in schools today. I salute the author on this book, and give two thumbs up on a job well done.

The Paper Bag Prinsess is a funny and silly book for little children. Its about a princess named Elizabeth and a prince named Arnold.

They're about to get married when a dragon comes and taks Arnold away. Elizabeth goes on a quest to find him. Well, if you want to hear the ending you'll have to read the story.

I love this book. I read it to my little brother all the time.

The third installment in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles was no disappointment. The book starts out with Morwen living with her not one but nine cats. However when Morwen learns that the magic in the enchanted forest is disappearing and King Mendenbar's sword has been stolen she is determined to get it back. With much protesting from Mendenbar they finally decide who goes. Morwen is accompanied by the pregnant Queen Cimorene, the magician Telemain who is most liked when he doesn't open his mouth, Morwen's two cats, Kazul the King of Dragons,and Killer a rabbit who mysteriously turned in a donkey and don't get me wrong but there will be more transformations. As if their quest isn't hard enough they encounter a fire witch, mud, vines that want to eat them, and the all too familiar wizards society.(Need more lemon juice?) Can they get the sword back in time to save the Enchanted Forest and Mendenbar? A cliffhanger ending that you just can't miss!! These Chronicles are probably the best fantasy books I have ever read! I hope you enjoy them too!! Can't wait to read number 4. Too bad it is the last one!

Dealing was Cimorene's book. Searching was Mendanbar's book. Talking was Daystar's book and Calling is everyone's favorite witch, Morwen's book.

The Dragon King, Kazul (even though she's female. To have two names for the same job is just confusing) is missing! And of course it's the wizards who have done the doing and are burning the Enchanted Forest with their staffs. It's up to Cimorene, Kazul, Morwen, Morwen's feline friends, Telemain, and a blue flying donkey with overlarge wings who used to be a rabbit to find her and stop the wizards!

This book is just witty and fun. Ms. Wrede has a real talent of making a good, fun to read book. I wish that after the fourth book, Talking to Dragons, Ms. Wrede will make books like Tinkering with Dragons which can be from Telemain's perspective, or Listening to Dragons which can be from Kazul's perspective, or even Fighting with Dragons which could even be from Antorell's perspective, or maybe even Riding on Dragons from one of Morwen's cats perspective.

Ms. Wrede if you're out there we want to see more Enchanted Forest Chronicales Books!

What? Only five stars?!? I need more to do this series justice! Patricia C. Wrede writes marvelous fantasy. It's like "Mixed-Up Fairy Tales" or something, but funnier, more engaging, and ripe for repeat reading (I just graduated from high school, and I just finished reading the entire series for the third time in a matter of days). These are timeless tales. Even her NAMES are inventive. Cimorene, Mendanbar, Kazul, Morwen, Telemain, Daystar, Shiara...and let us not forget Zemenar and Antorell. The chapter headings induce chuckles immediately, simply by their existence. She writes in a style that incorporates intelligent fantasy with enjoyable humor. The characters are some you would like to know personally. And nowhere else have I seen as unique a discussion of magic in its many forms as in these four books. I did notice a trend of centralization. Dealing was Cimorene's book. Searching was Mendanbar's. Calling was Morwen's. Talking was Daystar's. I wish the series was not concluded, because I'd love to see Telemain's book. And perhaps Kazul's book could be somewhat of a prequel. Oh, and what about a book from Antorell's perspective? That would make for an incredibly funny story. The Enchanted Forest and its surrounding is a world I want to know about. Not many authors can create an entire world that entices the reader so greatly. But Mrs. Wrede has. Unlike the Douglas Adams' Hitchiker's Guide series, which got progressively worse, each book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles compares to the original, as fresh and brilliant as ever. Needless to say, this series is one of the best ever. I have not really sampled a lot of the adult fantasy by Piers Anthony and Anne McCaffrey and such, but I doubt they can compare with the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. This is not mindboggling fantasy like the Lord of the Rings trilogy: this is fun. Oh, and remember: ..."Argelfraster."

Sixteen year old Lenora is a headstrong, brave and rather spoiled princess who lives in a world where everyone has the power to make the things they imagine real. Unfortunately for Lenora, using this power is strictly forbidden, not that it stops her much. Shy and logical Prince Coren lives in a world where everyone has the powers to read everyone else's mind, a power that he would do anything to get rid of. When Lenora and Coren discover that they're arranged to be married, none of them are too happy about it. Lenora is furious. She doesn't see why she's supposed to marry this boring boy that she's never met before. In an attempt to run away she ends up throwing herself in a completely different world. Unfortunately she accidentally brings Coren around with her. Everything seems perfect in this world to Lenora, from the people to the dashing ruler, Hevak. Coren is a bit more cautious. Everything seems to perfect. It's this caution that ends up getting him in trouble. Now Lenora's the only one who can save him. That is if she can resist the persuasive powers of Hevek.

Although this book isn't all that advanced it's still an original and entertaining work of fantasy. The plot is fast paced, exciting, and easy to get addicted to. The different worlds are wonderful and very well described. The only problem I really see with it are the characters are awfully underdeveloped and flat. They don't seem to grow too much through the book. But since this is a series, that could be fixed in the next four books. I'm very interested in reading the other books in the quartet, the next one being More Minds. I would recommend this to younger readers and older readers looking for a fun escapism book.

I really did like this book because it's just so much fun to read! It doesn't go very deeply into character analysis or the complexities of love, however, which was probably the intent of the authors since this was directed at children. The authors really did make these two worlds--one of Gepeth and Andilla with their petty preudices and hates and one of Grag, with its seemingly "perfect" society--realistic enough to appease even the most inquisitive eight-year-old. Caught up in the middle of this conflict is Lenora, who is enticed by the "perfect" society and pulls her betrothed Coren, who is inexplicably linked to her, in the conflict as well. Add the strange powers that both Coren and Lenora abuse in different ways and it makes an interesting read at the very least. The characteristics of these powers are not fully explained as it is complicated, but a bit of thinking and it will become clear.

This book is not as serious as some of the great books i've read ( aka:His Dark Materials, stuff like that), but the writing is just as good. In this humorus fantasy, the bored Princess Lenora runs away from an unwanted marrige to the kind, but boring, weakling Prince Coren. When Lenora runs away, Prince Coren follows her. They get trapped in another world that Lenora has accidently created, a world thats completely controled by the evil Hevak. This book shows that people aren't always what they seem, and everybody has a gift that will help in hard times.

I thought this book was very good. It really portrayed Anastasia as a real girl, not just someone in a history textbook in school. Anastasia is a young, blue-eyed, blonde Grand Duchess, the daughter of Czar Nickolas and Czarina Alexandra, the rulers of all Russia in 1914. The book tells all about Anastasia's life, how she snoops through her older sisters' diaries, goes sledding, plays jokes and games and puts on plays and stuff, birthday parties, and family acquaintances. The beginning is very detailed, and I like the invitation on the first page. However, as the book goes on, the story becomes less detailed. Sometimes Anastasia writes only once a month or even less, and I almost felt as if the author was in a hurry to get to the end of the book so she could write more about the days leading up to the Romanov family's tragic death. But if you liked this book and want to learn more about the Romanovs, read "Anastasia's album," by Hugh Brewster, or especially read "Nicholas and Alexandra: Tsar."

GREAT!
I started this book 2 nights ago and just finished it. I think it was very informative and interesting. I am studying Russia in school, and I thought it would be good to learn about the events that led up to WWI. It depicts the Royal family before they were killed and gives a historical note talking about what happened. The author talks about how there are rumors Anastasia somehow escaped. I found this book interesting, with weird characters such as the slimy Risputin in which the Royal family put so much trust into. Ms. Meyer put so much work into describing the riches the family lived with and the faults they had to go through to keep Russia happy.
PLEASE read this book.
I found it very interesting and FUN. I learned SO MUCH about World War I and the last tsar(czar). The author even talked about the two different calendars used in the book.
This is the second royal diaries book I have read and certainly not my last.
I recommend:
SONDOK PRINCESS OF MOON AND STARS

MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU
COLOR ME DARK

What I liked best about this book was that, through a fictional diary kept by Anastasia Romanov, youngest daughter of the last tsar of Russia, was that is showed her not as a royal figure but just as a girl with feelings and concerns. The book begins in 1914. Twelve-year-old Anastasia and her family lead lives of luxury in an elegant palace and enjoy frequant holidays. Anastasia's biggest concern is learning her lessons in time. But as the years go by, and Russia becomes involved in World War I, the Russian people become increasingly dissatisfied, and in 1917, Anastasia's father is forced to abdicate, and the family is exiled to Siberia. The diary ends just two months before seventeen-year-old Anastasia and her family are executed by revolutionaries. The book, except at the very beginning, was really sad, but it brought the life the end of the Romanov dynasty and young Anastasia's final years. I highly reccomend it if you enjoyed any of the other books in this series.

Very interesting book! I enjoyed learning more about Isabel and her history. The story takes place when Isabel is 15 years old. Her father has been dead for several years, so her half-brother Enrique claims the throne. However, there are some who believe that Isabel's younger brother Alfonso should be king. So during this time of political unrest, Isabel is growing up and thinking of the future.

Isabel receives a total of six different marriage proposals from different countries. Enrique promises that he will not force her to marry, so long as he approves her choice. Again, his promise is broken, as it is many times during this book, and Isabel decides to make her own plans, despite her brother's wrath.

Carolyn Meyer does the best fictionalized version of Isabel of Castilla I have seen yet. Out of many of the Royal Diaries, this is one of the most action packed.

Isabel of Castilla is daughter of King Juan II of Castilla and Leon, and Princess Isabel of Portugal, second wife of Juan II. After her father's death long ago, Isabel's half brother Enrique has taken the throne. He condemns Isabel to Segovia with his wanton wife, Queen Juana and his six year old daughter, Princess Juana. Isabel lacks freedom and is separated from her mother and her brother, Alfonso. Enrique is afraid the rebels will get Isabel on their side. The rebel grandes (nobels of Castilla and Leon) disapprove of Enrique and has made Isabel's younger brother, Alfonso the King. Isabel tries to be neutral but is severly angered by Enrique when he forces her to marry without her permission and by breaking a peace agreement after her brother's death. Isabel takes things into her own hands and marries in secret with Prince Ferdinand of Aragon.

The novel moved along quickly since Isabel had alot of twists in her young life at the age of 15. She had many marriage proposals but she wanted Ferindand in the end. I found her extremely brave at times but deeply religious. It showcased many exciting events to make sure the reader was not bored. Isabel was on disguise some parts, ran away to at times and risked her life throughout the book by disobeying Enrique. Meyer did a great job showcasing all the events and I learned alot in the end.

Other than Isabel's misguided 'projects' such as The Spanish Inquisition and reclaim of Granada from the Moors. Isabel, Queen of the future España led many great achievements. She has been nicknamed, 'Queen of the Americas' for funding of Christopher Columbus and making Spain, one of the most powerful, admired and cultured of that time.

When I first picked up this book I thought, "How STUPID!" But when I started reading it, I realized, Hey, this isn't soo bad!

This story shows how young Isabel felt about the world around her, her main concerns were mainly frienship with one of her brothers, and lack of friendship with another. This book also explains how life was when diseases such as the plauge were common. The sad backround also talks about Isabel's mentally ill mother. (Who was not ALWAYS that way) And how Isabel felt about her life. When the Spanish princess is being backed into corners and forced marriages by her older brother, she must find a way to escape them, and the choicees she must make are severe risks.

In this book there are very sad parts and very happy ones.

Yes this is the Isabel that sent Christopher Comlumbus to the Americas. But the book doesn't go that far.

In Comparison to the Other Royal Diaries Books, this would probably be ranked second, under Cleopatra. Others you would probably like, if you like this book are: Cleopatra, Daughter of the Nile Elizabeth, the Red Rose of Tudor AND, Marie Antionette,Princess of Versailles

If you liked and of the other books in the Royal Diaries series, or even In Dear America, you'll love this book!

This book was very dissapointing for me. It was awful and I did not enjoy reading. Instead my class was forced to read it together. The only reason why I did give it 2 stars was because I liked the part in the end about how they don't know what an american is or what a president is when they meet abraham lincoln up in heaven!

I first read this book at least 15 years ago and have never forgotten it. This book and The Daughter of Time launched my ongoing love affair with British history. After reading this book, I was so inspired that I dressed as Eleanor of Aquitaine for Halloween; I was shocked and astonished to discover that she was far from a household name and I spent my entire evening of trick-or-treating explaining my costume. If more books for children were as historically accurate and entertaining as is Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver, I think more people would have recognized and appreciated my costume. E.L. Konigsburg writes some of the best children's books I've ever read and they stand the test of time- I enjoy reading them now as much as I did then. By writing about an often ignored yet fascinating woman, Konisburg opened my eyes to a range of historical characters usually excluded in traditional history books. I highly recommend this book for any child, but especially for young girls who are looking for more female characters to shape their understanding of world history.

This is easily one of the best, if not the best, historical novels I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I first read it when I was maybe ten or twelve years old. I absolutely loved it! I read it five or six times over in the space of about a month. Reading this novel, I always felt like a part of the colorful medieval world created by Konigsburg. Every time I finished the book I had to immediately restart it; I couldn't stand not being part of that world anymore. I'm quite sure this book is at least partly responsible for the shelf full of history books in the corner of my bedroom. I'm a wee bit older now, nearly eighteen, but the medieval world introduced to me by _Scarlet and Miniver_ still interests me as much as it did when I finished the book for the first time. It truly left a lasting impression with me.

P.S. - to the people who dislike or don't understand the title - "Scarlet" is a bright red, and "miniver" is white or light gray fur that was used as trim for royal or ceremonial robes. The name fits the book perfectly, because it sums up the passion Eleanor of Aquitaine had for vibrant colors and rich surroundings, things that set her apart from the dutiful, dull persons surrounding her throughout much of the book.

The subject matter of this book makes it interesting: a look at the life of Anna Comnena, who was SUPPOSED to become empress. However, some problems abound in this book. First off, the beginning of the book lets us know what happens at the end! Secondly, Anna is not a very likable person in the book, so many times, I found it hard to feel bad for her. Lastly, I felt the author could have expanded on details. Except for the strong personalities of Anna's grandmother and her teacher, Simon, many other characters seemed to be merely window dressing. Don't get me wrong, the book was not HORRID. However, I think some more details and concentrating on characters might have enhanced it. If you are interested about Anna Comnena, I would say read this book. It does have it's exciting parts, and the author at the end tells you what she changed for the sake of fictionalizing the story, which is a nice touch. I also like how she includes a family tree at the beginning, so we can see how everyone is related.

Tracy Barret eloquently and descriptively retells the story of Anna Comnena, princess of the Byzantine Empire. The author is a medieval historian who uses her knowledge of history to add interesting details and charisma to her book. The book itself is hard to put down as Anna describes her life growing up in exhile and alienated from her throne stolen from her by her "whimpy" brother. From beginning Barret captures the attention of the reader and continues to hold their interest till the end. The reader walks away from the book yearning to know more about Anna and the Byzantine Empire. If you liked "Catherine called Birdy" or "Mary, Bloody Mary"....."Anna of Byzantium" is a must read. 5 stars!

With a great cover and a story to match, I know this book will stay in my mind for a long time. It's not very often you find a book like this - realistic, yet fictional, exciting and meaningful - this has it all! Princess Anna Porphyrogenita Comnena is a delightful heroine. She's not predictable like the other girls in books nowadays, who are always perfectly considerate of others and completely wrapped up in their own problems. Anna has a personality all her own. Tainted by the wrong teachings of her manipulative grandmother and the tensions between her mother and grandmother, Anna feels deep hatred throughout the book, but even though you're shocked at some of her actions, you can't stop feeling for her and sympathsizing her. READ THIS BOOK - IT'S THE BEST!

The subject is a bit shallow, perhaps, but Farquahar's writing is hilarious and you must admit, it's fun. His stories are well researched and accurate portrayals of some shocking, dirty, horrendous, and often VERY funny escapades in the lives of prominent European rulers down through the centuries. If you're not into European history, you'll read it quickly, enjoy the ride, and accidentally learn a lot along the way. If you are, you'll love the refreshingly funny writing style and unique focus (they don't tell you THAT in textbooks!), and you'll appreciate the detailed geneologies in the front and chronologies in the back that are an inestimable help in keeping straight the tangled branches of Europe's royal family trees.

A terrific, really well-written book which shows us that scandal is NOT exclusive to the present-day. It's great fun to read about the atrocious goings-on by various royals and popes--but this is also one of those books where you learn a great deal in a fun, painless way. I wish all history were written like this!

On a short trip to the beach, I picked up this book and had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed reading about the Royalty and their good times as well as their hardships. I was shocked (being a Catholic) to read about the Popes and their actions centuries ago. Reading about the Popes' "Nephews" was shocking. Michael's writing is excellent. It was very easy to read and follow the many different characters. He brings humor to history. I definitely recommend this book.