Enchantée

On the cusp of the French Revolution, 17-year-old Camille Durbonne and her 15-year-old sister are struggling to survive after being orphaned, then robbed by their abusive alcoholic brother. Camille has been using la magie ordinaire to transform metal scraps into coin, but getting caught when it changes back is a constant threat, and the rent is far past due. With the help of more dangerous magic, her mother’s enchanted dress, and a few drops of blood, Camille infiltrates Marie Antoinette’s court in disguise. There, her talent for manipulating cards fills her pockets with currency. Rebellion is in Camille’s blood, and she’s shocked to find herself befriending young nobles despite their politics of privilege. But as she becomes addicted to the magic and the opportunities it affords, Camille begins to wonder about the price of freedom. While debut author Trelease’s twist on the Cinderella story offers some diversity with gay and biracial characters—Camille’s love interest is an aeronaut of French and Indian descent—too much attention is given to the minutiae and intrigue of court life, leaving themes of diversity under-explored. Nevertheless, Camille’s desire to be a voice of change for the oppressed will resonate. Ages 12–up. [em]Agent: Molly Ker Hawn, the Bent Agency. (Feb.) [/em]