This was a fun, cute little book. I loved the characters, though they are a bit stereotypical in how they behave or dress, every one of them has their set roles. Which is a bit a shame.

I loved the whole kingdom and all the magical creatures that resided there. The author sure is good with descriptions and the illustrations also help. At times I felt like I was there with the girls trying to find out how to fix things, eating cupcakes/cookies that make you fly. It was all wonderful.

I am not sure if I will continue reading the books, they aren't that easily found here, and considering the series is not over yet (there are almost 30 books), I might just wait until everything is out/translated. Yes, I read this one in Dutch, but since this was such a fun book I write my review in English.

But all in all a wonderful book, and I am sure kids will love it. It is sweet, easy to read and just delightful fun.

Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/

Lättläst och snäll berättelse om tre flickor som hittar ett magiskt skrin som tar dem till Det Hemliga Kungariket. Där hjälper de den snälle kungen att bryta en förbannelse från hans onda syster. Lite väl svart-vit, med alla goda varelser vackra, medan de onda är fula.

SECRET KINGDOM: ENCHANTED PALACE is most definitely one of those books that I totally judged by the cover -- although, not in a negative way, of course. I mean, just LOOK at this cover -- beautiful colors, adorable illustrations, and just enough magic for the kid in me to feel eager for what I presumed would be a fun little romp into childhood -- and generally, I was not disappointed here.

Ellie, Summer, and Jasmine are best friends who love doing EVERYTHING together. One day the girls discover a mysterious box cover in intricate etchings of fairies and magic, and the girls are intensely curious about the origins and meanings of the box. A series of cute riddles lead the girls to uncover a Secret Kingdom that is in dire need of assistance from the young friends. While a friendly King does his best to rule the kingdom peacefully, his hostile, bitter sister has an evil plan to win the Kingdom for herself, where she hopes to spread gloom and doom EVERYWHERE to match her angry spirit. The evil Queen has hidden a series of frightening black lightening bolts throughout the Kingdom, and her plans can only be averted if her evil magic bolts can be located and destroyed.

Can Ellie, Summer, and Jasmine decode the riddles and find the first bolt, rumored to be somewhere in the Enchanted Palace?

The first book in this fun little series is sure to thrill younger female readers, probably even those not quite ready to read chapter books but who enjoy hearing bedtime stories that encourage sweet dreams of creativity and excitement. Parents will also enjoy the sense of 'girl power' that comes from these three characters, who are each strong and resourceful in their unique young personalities -- and who definitely have no real problems solving riddles and stepping up to take charge of a new adventure.

(I did receive an advanced copy of this book for the purposes of providing an honest review. All thoughts are my own and are completely uninfluenced by the manner in which the book was received)

En virkelig spændende historier til piger, der ikke vil læse om at piger skal reddes - men at de også kan være virkelig seje.
Hver pige har sin personlighed der gør det muligt for læseren, ligegyldig hvilken type hun er, at identificere med en af dem. Velskrevet, gode illustrationer og den kan varmt anbefales.