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)