Frogkisser! by Garth Nix

I never wanted to be a princess but after reading this book I know for sure that's true.  She has nice friends and magical powers and a will to do good but she has to make some awful sacrifices on the way.  I think I'd draw line at kissing frogs...

Scholastic Press and Edelweiss allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published February 28th. 

Anya just wishes people would leave her alone so she could read in the library.  (I can relate.)  Her step-step-father is evil.  He intends to get rid of both her and her older sister so he can take over the kingdom.  He's practicing dark magic and it's removed any compassion or morals he might have had.  He arranges for a magpie to appear human and marry the oldest sister and he intends to send the youngest to school far, far away where an accident might happen during her travels.  He's sure he can arrange one.

In this story the Royal dogs can speak.  They warn her of the danger and tell her she must go on a quest.  She's not sure she wants to but they bring her a few things to take with her and off she goes.  This turns into quite an adventure!

She meets all sorts of transformed people and animals.  There's the last prince that dated her sister who the evil step-step-father turned into a frog.  There's a boy who is now an orange newt.  There's an otter that been turned part human.  She's on a quest to turn them back to their original selves but she can only do that if she gets the right ingredients...

She meets witches, a couple of wizards, some Robin Hood like bandits, and more.  She learns about the old law of the land that was usurped when the new dark magic magicians went into power.  She's not sure how her sister will rule the land but she wants to talk to her about it.

There's lots of action, plenty of odd characters and, in the end, a lot of kissing to be doing.  Not for romantic reasons either.

I found this to be a good read with several things that will make you smile.  Here's a fun fantasy for all ages.