Two Princesses of Bamarre

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine, 2001 Harper Collins

     Addie admires her older sister Meryl; the two princesses of Bamarre are complete opposites. Addie enjoys the predictable routine and simple pastimes of a lady: hearing about adventures and learning what she can about politics and such. Meryl is brash and confident, adventurous and dreams of battling monsters to save her people just like the epic poem she recites to her sister, their governess and the young sorcerer Rhys.
    The two girls are best of friends, but when Meryl comes down with the Grey Death it is twelve-year-old Addie who must discover her own courage and find the cure. An old prophecy guides her path as Addie travels with seven-league-boots, a magic spyglass, a feast-providing tablecloth, and magical cloak. She meets ogres, specters, gryphons, and a fascinating dragon all the while hoping to return to her sister and the young sorcerer who shyly declared his affection.
     With a declared timeline until Meryl's death, Addie struggles against the monsters of her homeland and the wish to return to safety. She finds inner strength and confidence through the relationships she develops, but there is always a breaking point and as Meryl runs out of time her younger sister finds she can be the decisive young lady Meryl constantly pushes her to be.
     Through a bittersweet ending, a touch of romance, a magical quest, and the friendship of sisters The Two Princesses of Bamarre tells the story of Addie's determination. She discovers that not all heroes want to save the world, but if there's no one else with the tools or the will a hero (or heroine) must step up to the task, despite their fears. The story is written for older elementary readers, however, readers of all ages who enjoy Levine's work will enjoy this tale.