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Enchanted Ivy

by Sarah Beth Durst (Goodreads Author)

3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 · rating details · 1,706 ratings · 295 reviews

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searche...more

Hardcover, 310 pages

Published October 12th 2010 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

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Aug 21, 2010 Linna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Sarah Beth Durst is already one of my favorite new fantasy authors, and Enchanted Ivy is simply magical. Really. (All books, to some degree, are magical, but I regress.) While the topic of college is rising in the trends of YA, Enchanted Ivy didn't go for the tell-all, gossipy path, like The Ivy did for Harvard. And it's no Secret Society Girl either; this is a story that takes place at Princeton, but it whisks you away into a fabulous parallel world filled with magical beings, blending the real...more Sarah Beth Durst is already one of my favorite new fantasy authors, and Enchanted Ivy is simply magical. Really. (All books, to some degree, are magical, but I regress.) While the topic of college is rising in the trends of YA, Enchanted Ivy didn't go for the tell-all, gossipy path, like The Ivy did for Harvard. And it's no Secret Society Girl either; this is a story that takes place at Princeton, but it whisks you away into a fabulous parallel world filled with magical beings, blending the real world and storybook-like fantastical elements into a setting that's easy to fall in love with.

For the full review/more info head over to http://21pages.net.tc

It's enchanting and wonderful as it is dangerous. The story seems deceptively simple at first glance-- Lily is a prospective student, who wants to attend Princeton, like her grandfather before her. She's given the chance through a 'quest' of sorts; if she can find the Ivy Key, she'll be gain an automatic acceptance to Princeton. In her search, Lily discovers a magical "other" Princeton, with the Key being the only way to unlock passage between both worlds. The story gradually broadens in scope until it's a race to save both worlds, and there are plot twists thrown in that make the story a great deal deeper and even a little darker than expected.

The writing is neat, clean, rid of over excessive descriptions or unnecessary words; it seems so simple but it brings words to life. Lily is someone any teenager can empathize with, heading out into the daunting world of college applications, where hopes and dreams are frighteningly in reach. All the descriptions of Princeton itself are detailed, and I particularly enjoyed the details about the gargoyles. Especially when they started talking.

Enchanted Ivy will appeal to anyone who loves magic, fantasy, and strong characters; it's a wonderful story to lose yourself in. The struggles between the two worlds isn't purely black and white, either; and the themes of the story stand clear. As someone who has to worry about that college admissions process next year, Lily's journey hit home, while also reawakening my imagination and including some sigh-worthy love interests along the way. I eagerly await Sarah Beth Durst's next book.(less)

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Oct 12, 2010 Nicole added it

This book reminded me what's so great about fantasy novels--they suck you into another world and you don't want to be pulled out. Gargoyles coming to life, were-tigers, knights, dragons...yeah, all that and more. I wish this alternate Princeton really existed! The author provides wonderful imagery and as the reader you want to walk through this magical campus, but you'll just have to settle through living it through Lily's eyes.

This story is so much more than just a quest for a key and hope for...more

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Nov 09, 2010 ~Tina~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cover-crazz, own, favorites, fantasy, read-2010, young-adult, paranormal, treasured

Lilly has always had one dream. To get into Princeton University.
Now she has a chance. Take a test, but not just any test. A Legacy Test.
Task- Find the Ivy Key.
What's she get? An automatic acceptance to Princeton. That's right.
"Find the key and your future is assured. Your destiny, secured".
Sure...easy peasy.

I absolutely loved this book! Already a fan of Sarah Durst Ice. I couldn't wait to read her next book. It did not disappoint. Enchanted Ivy is a such a fun-filled fantasy treat that will st...more

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Nov 23, 2010 Jenn Estepp rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: teenage-wasteland, supernatural-creature-feature

i don't really get why everyone is all about this book. it wasn't so terrible that i wanted to throw it across the room. or, even, sit in my apartment and nitpick it on the internet. (although i totally could if i wanted. just saying. ) but it was also not all that spectacular. much of it irked me and the characters seemed more like vehicles for the plot than actual characters. but maybe i am just jaded or biased by my obviously inferior not-ivy education. or something. a pretty cover and some b...more

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Nov 29, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, magic, teen, favorites-2011

Lily is attending her grandfather’s yearly class reunion at Princeton University. Her dream is to follow in his footsteps and attend Princeton, but she is a little worried about being accepted into the prestigious school. Then her grandfather introduces her to a group of his fellow alumni. They give her a challenge, find the Ivy Key and she will get an automatic entrance to Princeton. She is joined by Tye, who says he is there to protect her. At first, she is not sure why she would need a protec...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Grace rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, magic, romance, dnf

Underwhelmed and annoyed.

Read this book after Ice, which reviewed lower ratings but is by far the better written book.

Basically, this book was a tribute to Princeton, which I understand the author attended because of her Acknowledgements section, but I felt it was so much of a knock towards Yale and Harvard that frankly, it got annoying. I understand that it must be a gorgeous place and the main character has family traditions that make her want to attend, but all this raving about the place an...more Underwhelmed and annoyed.

Read this book after Ice, which reviewed lower ratings but is by far the better written book.

Basically, this book was a tribute to Princeton, which I understand the author attended because of her Acknowledgements section, but I felt it was so much of a knock towards Yale and Harvard that frankly, it got annoying. I understand that it must be a gorgeous place and the main character has family traditions that make her want to attend, but all this raving about the place and the inside jokes and the constant name-dropping of famous people who attended? BORING. Pretty soon, it turns out that the plot was NOT going to move from Princeton -- yes, I think the whole book takes place on the campus (but I couldn't get through the book in order to find out if they indeed go visit somewhere else, like maybe another college campus without famous people or gargoyles).

Another thing was that the main character seemed to be dumber than dirt pretty much from the beginning. She doesn't seem that driven and keeps on noticing how some guy is cute -- seriously, she keeps obsessing about the two guys in the book that I couldn't read on, especially since those are the two first guys that show up in the book. So, yes, she seems boy-crazy and silly. No wonder she couldn't get in the school except for this route.

Maybe if the author hadn't put in the Acknowledgements that she attended Princeton, the whole love-fest regarding the school wouldn't have been so nauseating. (Especially since most of the people I know went to other Ivy League schools and the only person I know that attended Princeton was a big stuck-up snob who liked to constantly allude to how pricey his college education was, which might have influenced me, yes.) But she did, and I read that before I read the book, so... yeah.

The best thing about this book is the summary that Goodreads put up for it, unless you really, really, really, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY REALLY (get the message?) like Princeton and are hoping to either live there or relive there.(less)

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Nov 01, 2011 Lucie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Impressions:
By opening this novel, the reader is immersed in a fantasy quest. As in "The Skulls", with Joshua Jackson and Paul Walker, is started by a secret society that offers initiation rites on campus. But in this book, members of this Brotherhood are selected Knights working to save the world from supernatural dangers.
As in "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C. S. Lewis, crossing doors can be dangerous.
As in the saga "Iron Fey" by Julie Kagawa, bodyguards protecting the heroin are boiling hot an...more Impressions:
By opening this novel, the reader is immersed in a fantasy quest. As in "The Skulls", with Joshua Jackson and Paul Walker, is started by a secret society that offers initiation rites on campus. But in this book, members of this Brotherhood are selected Knights working to save the world from supernatural dangers.
As in "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C. S. Lewis, crossing doors can be dangerous.
As in the saga "Iron Fey" by Julie Kagawa, bodyguards protecting the heroin are boiling hot and she should be wary of everybody. Lily has to discover the truth by herself.

I found the idea of basing the entire action on the campus of Princeton University very pleasant. As a result, the reader get the impression of discovering this historic place during his trip through the pages.
By walking, or should I say by participating to this scavenger hunt for clues, the reader pick up information scattered on campus, to garantee the successful initiation of Lily and his understanding of this curious world. Dangerous magical critters are to be found along the road too!
So the Sherlock Holmes, to be dormant in us, wakes up in the course of reading the signs found by Lily. Sometimes with spikes of adrenaline important as the road is punctuated with unexpected events.
A few lengths can be felt but overall, the author walks you easily from chapter to chapter. Even if I would have preferred to learn more about the magical world depicted on the other side of the gate. The flying dragon or the garden of Driade moments were a bit short for my taste but sufficient for the smooth running of the story.

I also liked the description of the gargoyles and how Sarah Beth Durst pays them tribute in her book. I almost want to subscribe to Princeton to get through this magical portal!

Overall I had fun reading this novel and wish I could have even read a second volume, but unfortunately this one ends there.
A book to be embedded in a circuit filled with magic, love, honor, fighting and great emotions. Nice one!

Read more about this book directly on my blog: http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.co...

Lucie(less)

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Oct 08, 2011 Kailia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I fell in love with Sarah Beth Durst’s writing and storytelling abilities after reading her debut novel, Ice. When I heard that she was going to come out with another book, I jumped at the chance of receiving a copy for review! I wanted to know if Sarah would fall in the horrible second book mode or if she would prevail. I’m happy to say that I am wholeheartedly happy with this one!

Sarah’s writing ability and how she is able to weave such great stories together continues to astonish me. The plot...more

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Jul 01, 2011 Kim rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. What did I think? Well...

I think I should never read acknowledgments first. It's a personal bias of mine, but I often feel that a writer who brings up his or her Ivy League education does so in order to purchase respect in advance of any real proof. Perhaps if I hadn't read her proclamation of being a Princeton grad, I might have felt less...underwhelmed. I recognize that, given the setting of the book, the idea of the author having actually been there and absorbed the traditions is key. Still.....more What did I think? Well...

I think I should never read acknowledgments first. It's a personal bias of mine, but I often feel that a writer who brings up his or her Ivy League education does so in order to purchase respect in advance of any real proof. Perhaps if I hadn't read her proclamation of being a Princeton grad, I might have felt less...underwhelmed. I recognize that, given the setting of the book, the idea of the author having actually been there and absorbed the traditions is key. Still...

Here's my gripe. YA does not have to mean simple and spell it all out for your readers. YA readers are savvy, not simpletons. And yet, the boy with the orange and black striped hair named Tye...is actually part mystical tiger. We know he has a connection to Lily. Why? Well, tiger lily, right? But also they have magical electrical chemistry. Get it?

The thing is, the plot idea isn't a bad one. The mystical connection to the gargoyles is fabulous. But I've read this story before.

The mystical portals which are special places in our world human which lead to faerie? Done in Bones of Faerie. And done better. The golden-eyed boy with the inexplicable connection and electric touch? I'm afraid I liked Edward Cullen better.

With each new character met, it was easy to see exactly what role they would play. Each plot 'complication' was so obvious and headed in such a clear direction that I could never feel that worry and tug and connection that I wanted to feel. I was underwhelmed. I felt like perhaps the author didn't feel free to make anything difficult to figure out because she knew she was writing YA. The lack of complication had the feel of being intentional, not a matter of the author not having the skill to create tension. Whether it was the writing or the editing of it, the book lacked. It wasn't terrible. It was fine for an afternoon's read. But it was neither remarkable nor memorable.

And I have to say that honestly? I could go the rest of my life without reading a love triangle story. This one was terribly contrived. It seemed to be added in because...well. It's YA and you have to have a love triangle, right?(less)

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May 01, 2011 Paradoxical rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reading-list, books-otherwise

The beginning of Enchanted Ivy starts out promising. Lily really wants to go to Princeton and her grandfather, an alumnus, gives her an opportunity to automatically pass the application process as long as she accomplishes a certain task. I rather liked the beginning and I'm a huge sucker for an adventure where the main character has to reveal clues, which takes her to new places, but that part of the book ends fairly quickly. The main plot line is this tension between the magical world and our r...more The beginning of Enchanted Ivy starts out promising. Lily really wants to go to Princeton and her grandfather, an alumnus, gives her an opportunity to automatically pass the application process as long as she accomplishes a certain task. I rather liked the beginning and I'm a huge sucker for an adventure where the main character has to reveal clues, which takes her to new places, but that part of the book ends fairly quickly. The main plot line is this tension between the magical world and our regular one, and Lily's background and, well, it just didn't grip me as much as the first half of the book did.

Lily is a decent main character in the beginning. She's not great, she doesn't really seem to stand out, but I didn't dislike her and she didn't irritate me. She genuinely cares for her mom, takes care of her even, and is doing her best while plunged into a situation that is (literally, heh) out of this world. And then I reached a little bit halfway through the book and Lily steadily kept irritating me. (view spoiler). Then there's the series of mistakes that she makes, which isn't entirely her fault, but I can't help but go, "Really now? Do you think it'd be all sunshine and puppies and rainbows if you (view spoiler)" Argh. Arghhhh. I hate it more when a character I think is all right becomes worse. A reader can't help but feel horribly cheated.

I also disliked the instant attraction she had between two boys: Tye and Jake. Well, instant attraction is fine, but it sure is convenient that the two boys she meets up with and interacts with the most are both drop dead gorgeous in their own way, and both seem somewhat interested in her. Not to mention the copious blushing everywhere by both Lily and the two boys. I don't mind love triangles or even romance (a good thing considering that I mostly read YA and urban fantasy these days), but the relationships in this book feel rather forced. I don't feel enthusiastic about either boy, though I don't precisely dislike them either (this sounds the same as my Lily examination, bleh).

Oh, there was this part which I particularly disliked. (view spoiler) I honestly hated the romance in this book.

Then there's the latter half of the book. I couldn't help but be frustrated with everyone and everything, and it was like I wanted to reach into the book and throttle all of the people who were aggravating me. Most of the time the people in power just dither around and do nothing, and Lily is hurtling along at full speed in her own naive, not-really-thinking ways, and I don't even know which is worse. Well, all right, the dithering around is worse, but ugh.

Overall, the book was really shallow. I didn't really like any of the characters and the plot felt lackluster. The romance was pretty awful and the book grew worse rather than better. 1-2 stars, rounding down to 1 because I was pretty disappointed finishing this book. (less)

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Apr 29, 2011 Jenna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy

This book suffered a bit by being the one I read after the stellar "Life As We Knew It" and it fails most in the area the previous book succeeded so well -- characterization. "Enchanted Ivy" is just very fluffy and light. We are told more than we are shown, and I didn't feel as if I got to know any of the characters well enough to carry the story. I've read other books set in the alma maters of the authors and this one probably suffered the most from "you had to be there" syndrome -- Princeton,...more

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Feb 08, 2011 K. Bird rated it 5 of 5 stars

Following up Durst's impressive Ice is an unrelated, but just as lovely and readable story about Lily Carter, a high school junior tagging along with her Grandfather at his Princeton reunion weekend.

But Grandpa has a surprise for Lily, she's to undergo a test at the exclusive dining club, the Vineyard, with a prize of instant admission to Princeton if she is successful, and banishment from the club if she is not.

Lily undertakes the quest to find the "ivy key", leaving her medicated and flightly...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Avery rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book has This book has the stereotypical YA plot line- Nerdy/ unpopular female character who is an overachiever. Check. Girl whose life does a complete 360 when she learns that everyone she has ever trusted/ cared about has lied to her? Check. Love triangle? Check. One of the boys being the all American apple pie kind of guy whereas the other is an outcast? Check. Girl falling for the boy who is immersed in the fantastical world/ the "dangerous" boy? Check.

But you know what? That didn't rea...more This book has This book has the stereotypical YA plot line- Nerdy/ unpopular female character who is an overachiever. Check. Girl whose life does a complete 360 when she learns that everyone she has ever trusted/ cared about has lied to her? Check. Love triangle? Check. One of the boys being the all American apple pie kind of guy whereas the other is an outcast? Check. Girl falling for the boy who is immersed in the fantastical world/ the "dangerous" boy? Check.

But you know what? That didn't really bother me at all and I did quite enjoy the book. I think why I enjoyed this book so much was because Sarah incorporated all sorts of paranormal/ fantastical characters and the world that she created is really unique. Princeton University houses two campuses, the one in which the average person about, but the other which houses all things fantastical which only those fantastical individuals and the Princeton Knights (a group of people who have sworn to protect the regular Princeton residents from the fantastical individuals) know about. Sarah provides the reader with a ton of history about Princeton and it is extremely easy for the reader to fall into both worlds of Princeton.

Main character Lily was an extremely strong individual, she was always looking after her mother whose health was declining, she was extremely intelligent and whatnot, but I just felt like her personality wasn't as well developed as it could have been. It just seemed that she was entirely too obsessed with getting accepted to Princeton and that she was wearing blinders to everything else that was going on in her life. Though Tye's (boy # 1 of the love triangle) personality more than made up for Lily's. He was just such a cute character and totally swoon-worthy. I really liked his conviction when he came up to Lily and in a very serious-like manner said something along the lines of, "Oh by the way, not only am I your guard but I am also your soul-mate"- I mean, wouldn't that totally be awesome? As for Jake (boy # 2 of the love triangle)? It is really hard to feel any real connection with him. He is very much one of those characters that I don't feel is necessary to the plot at all.

All in all, I do think that the world in this book is unique book and I do think I continue on with this author/ potential series, but I do think that some people may find the stereotypical YA plot line somewhat repetitive.(less)

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Feb 01, 2011 Vinaya rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bleh, ya-fantasy

This book ought to have gotten 2.5 stars, but I've given it a grace of an extra half-star!

RECIPE FOR BLAND, GENERIC YOUNG ADULT FANTASY BOOK IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Ingredients:

Heroine: 1 (Make sure your selected heroine is nerdy, unpopular and supposedly smart. NEVER make your heroine both smart and popular, and as for a personality... forget it! This is just asking for trouble, because soon people will start expecting her to think, and fend for herself and acquire some emotional maturity... so don...more

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Dec 15, 2010 Lydia Presley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, fiction, fantasy, young-adult

I didn't cave to the pressure of The Ivy or any of the other gossipy-type books dealing with ivy league schools, but I couldn't resist the fantasy element of Enchanted Ivy. I'm glad as well, because this was an incredibly fun book with a lot of fun information filling its pages.

Sarah Beth Durst went to Princeton and the cover indicates that she spent some time there wondering what the gargoyles would say if they could talk...and so a story woven around the history and architecture of Princeton w...more

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Dec 01, 2010 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-100-book-challenge, books-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews

Enchanted Ivy seduced me with it's rich lore, and held me captive by it's vivid setting. Sarah Beth Durst's breathe taking descriptions of her setting had me wishing I could travel to Princeton to walk through the FitzRandolph Gate just to see the land that lies on other side.

Lily Carter has a dream to attend Princeton University like her parents and grandfather before he did. When she and her mother accompany her Grandfather to a reunion weekend at this prestigious university, Lily is offered a...more Enchanted Ivy seduced me with it's rich lore, and held me captive by it's vivid setting. Sarah Beth Durst's breathe taking descriptions of her setting had me wishing I could travel to Princeton to walk through the FitzRandolph Gate just to see the land that lies on other side.

Lily Carter has a dream to attend Princeton University like her parents and grandfather before he did. When she and her mother accompany her Grandfather to a reunion weekend at this prestigious university, Lily is offered a chance to attend Princeton. She must find the Ivy Key. IF she passes this secret test, she will not only be granted the right to attend the University, but she'll be apart of a secret society. There's a whole lot more to Princeton that meets the eye.

Lily is a fun character to get to know. She's real and relatable as like many high school juniors, she stresses about college applications and if she had enough credits and passed her exams. She's also loyal and very caring and concerned about those she loves. Even when unthinkable things happen, she more or less goes with the flow of it. She's also stubborn and strong when she needs to be. I really enjoyed watching her relationship with Tye evolve. While I'd like to say I was torn between Tye and Jake, as both guys are strong, warriors, and protectors of their secrets and Lily, Tye won me over. I should say, it's hard choosing between a were-tiger and a knight, as both characters have very little flaws and were at times entertaining as they fought for their right to protect Lily.

Enchanted Ivy is a mesmerizing, fast paced, engaging read that left me yearning to read more. With twist and turns and wonderful characters, it's definitely a book I'll be picking up again. It's rich in history and lore, and has a simple, yet fascinating love story at it's core. Enchanted Ivy is filled with magic, talking gargoyles, dragons, faeries, goblins, unicorns, were-tigers, centaurs, dryads, a secret society, action and much more. If you want to get lost in a beautiful world that resides in both the real world and in the realm of the unbelievable, go pick up Enchanted Ivy today.

You can take a tour of Princeton via Sarah's tour on her blog here http://tinyurl.com/2fpf6nj.
You can read more about the gargoyles found on the grounds of Princeton here http://tinyurl.com/247lhf7 (less)

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Nov 11, 2010 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Enchanted Ivy is about a teenager named Lily who takes a trip with her grandfather (a Princeton alumni) and mother for a reunion at the Princeton campus. Lily wants to follow so bad in her grandfather's footsteps and become a Princeton graduate. While on campus, she is given a chance to take the Legacy Test. If she passes it will guarantee her acceptance. All she has to do is find the Ivy Key...

Along the way she meets an orange and black haired boy named Tye. She finds out that there are two Pri...more Enchanted Ivy is about a teenager named Lily who takes a trip with her grandfather (a Princeton alumni) and mother for a reunion at the Princeton campus. Lily wants to follow so bad in her grandfather's footsteps and become a Princeton graduate. While on campus, she is given a chance to take the Legacy Test. If she passes it will guarantee her acceptance. All she has to do is find the Ivy Key...

Along the way she meets an orange and black haired boy named Tye. She finds out that there are two Princetons, separated only by the gate and opened by the Key. Her reality is challenged when she meets the magical creatures of our Princeton and sometimes terrifying creatures of the other Princeton. As the story unfolds there are many twists in turns including what is wrong with her mother, what happened to her father and who are the Knights of Princeton?

I was really excited to read Echanted Ivy; it's been on my radar for quite a while. When I received it, I was happy to find the book itself is very cute with a very beautiful cover! Normally I don't notice this as much, but I did with Enchanted Ivy!

I really loved the premise of this story. Lily, a smart girl, going to visit her dream university, finds out it is more than what it seems. Being a university student myself and often mesmerized by old college campuses, I really felt swept away just as Lily was. Durst creates a fantastical cast of characters, my favorite definitely being the enchanted gargoyles. Who doesn't wonder if they are really magical creatures? I will never look at them the same again! The beginning of the story starts with the Legacy Test hunt for the Ivy Key. Lily takes us all around campus and meets a boy with orange and black hair named Tye. Everything is very mysterious at this stage and I was eager to find out more about the Gate and the Key.

I was very happy with Lily as a character. She's smart and brave. She's also a strong person; she helps her grandfather with his flower store while also taking care of her mom. Her mom has a mental condition where she is progressively forgetting everything. I really felt like Lily was a sympathetic character without it going overboard; I wanted her to help her mom and succeed.

Another highlight of the novel which I was pleasantly surprised by was the romance. At first I felt like it would come out as a love triangle that's so popular, but eventually the romance took another turn. I was happy to see Lily and her love interest develop that romantic relationship. It wasn't silly or frustrating but charming. And really, who can't love Tye?

The only small nitpick I had was that it was slower near the beginning than the rest. I thought the book really picked up around the middle and I read straight through from there. There were many twists and turns (some I didn't even see coming) and the book really turned out to be more than I could really expect; it is packed with lore, characters and plot. However, this never bogs you down due to Durst's pleasant writing style.

Overall, I definitely recommend Enchanted Ivy for any fans of young adult or fantasy, especially if you're soon to be going off to college. I really hope there is a sequel because I'll definitely be reading it! A-

A review copy of this book was provided by Simon & Schuster.(less)

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Nov 02, 2010 Pamela Kramer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst has a story line that at first seems only mildly interesting, but once started, the book is difficult to put down. Durst take the "interesting" story line and with her deft prose and runaway imagination creates a tale filled with rich characters, wonderful story-telling, and puzzle pieces that fall together perfectly.

Lily, the protagonist, is a wonderful heroine--not too perfect, not too beautiful, not too athletic--but like Goldilocks, she's just right.

Lily di...more Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst has a story line that at first seems only mildly interesting, but once started, the book is difficult to put down. Durst take the "interesting" story line and with her deft prose and runaway imagination creates a tale filled with rich characters, wonderful story-telling, and puzzle pieces that fall together perfectly.

Lily, the protagonist, is a wonderful heroine--not too perfect, not too beautiful, not too athletic--but like Goldilocks, she's just right.

Lily didn't have an easy childhood. Her mother suffers from a mental disorder and takes daily medication. Lily also takes medication as the disorder is inherited. Her dream is to be accepted into Princeton, the university her grandfather and father attended.

The adventure begins when Lily, her mother, and her grandfather visit Princeton for a weekend reunion, and Lily discovers that she is expected to take a test that, if she passes, will guarantee her early acceptance into Princeton. She eagerly accepts, but soon she realizes that the test is far bigger than any test she could have imagined.

Those readers who loved Durst's Into the WIld and Out of the Wild will adore the melding and juxtaposition of the magical and the mundane. Lily discovers that the gates that surround Princeton lead not simply to neighborhood shops, but to an alternate Princeton which exists in an alternate magical reality.

Things are not what they appear to be, which should be no surprise to the experienced reader. Who is ally and who is enemy becomes a big question as Lily and her two friends struggle to make things right between two worlds on the verge of war.

Sarah Beth Durst's writing just gets better and better--and that's not to say that her first books weren't very enjoyable. Her last book, Ice, and this book raise the bar and will present a challenge to the author. She has created extremely high expectations for her future endeavors.

Lovers of fairy tales must visit Sarah's website. Her retelling of obscure fairy tales with a running commentary is side-splitting fun, and there is also a link to her blog.(less)

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Oct 25, 2010 Dawn rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read "Enchanted Ivy" in a little bit more than a day. I was totally enthralled. This is a very original story and I hope this is the start of a series that could be totally wonderful.

Our heroine is Lily. She's a normal, mostly happy high school junior who wants nothing more than to go to Princeton like her father and her grandfather before her. The biggest obtacle for her to overcome is her mother's mental illness, that is sometimes under control and sometimes not. But, she loves her mother de...more

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Oct 14, 2010 Rachael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lily Carter just wants to get into college, or if you want to be specific, Princeton University, the alma mater of her Grandpa. So when Grandpa invites her to come along during Princeton Reunions weekend, Lily jumps at the chance to visit her dream school. So when she’s asked to take the secret Legacy Test, which will guarantee admittance to Princeton if she passes, of course she accepts this challenge to find the Ivy Key. Little does Lily know that this undertaking will change life as she knows...more Lily Carter just wants to get into college, or if you want to be specific, Princeton University, the alma mater of her Grandpa. So when Grandpa invites her to come along during Princeton Reunions weekend, Lily jumps at the chance to visit her dream school. So when she’s asked to take the secret Legacy Test, which will guarantee admittance to Princeton if she passes, of course she accepts this challenge to find the Ivy Key. Little does Lily know that this undertaking will change life as she knows it, because while on her search, she encounters more than just Princeton students and alumni—try a were-tiger and talking stone gargoyles. It turns out that there are two Princeton campuses, and Lily has just found the magical one. Before she knows it, Lily finds herself caught up in an age old conflict between the two worlds, a conflict that has defined her life as it is now and has the potential to destroy it. Will Lily discover the magic in her own heritage in time to do something about it?

I love reading novels by Durst because I know I can count on her to deliver an enthralling and wholly enjoyable fantasy. Enchanted Ivy particularly appealed to me because, like Lily, I have gone through the tedium and fright of the college application process. Lily’s path to college is certainly untraditional and quite fantastical, but that doesn’t make it any less fun to read about. I just loved following Lily around as she ran around both Princeton campuses with magical creatures. Learning about Lily’s history and its connection to the rift between the two worlds added depth to what would otherwise be a more simple and plot driven story. Enchanted is just a fun and lighthearted read spiced up by a bit of magic and romance, and though it didn’t quite grab me as much as Durst’s previous novel Ice did, I still found the story quite lovable and entertaining.

Enchanted Ivy is sure to be enjoyed by fans of Durst’s earlier novels, especially Ice, as well as by readers who also liked Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood and The Emerald Tablet by P.J. Hoover.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com (less)

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Oct 04, 2010 Angela rated it 3 of 5 stars

Lily's hopes and worries about college really brought me back to my junior year of high school, when I also was obsessing about colleges and going on tours already. With all of the magic and fantasy that surrounds this story, Durst does an excellent job of still bringing out the humanity and normalcy in Lily.

This story isn't nearly as epic in scope as the last book of Durst's I read, ICE, and follows many of the paranormal romance tropes that are in danger of becoming predictable - as soon as th...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Alicia rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Middle schoolers or those who are easily impressed by generic fantasy stories.

Shelves: young-adult-fantasy, magic, dragons, college-or-university-stories, shapeshifters, overdone-love-triangle-trope, faeries, reviewed

Although my feelings towards Sarah Beth Durst's other novel, Ice, could be summed up with a general "meh", I decided to give her another chance to wow me with Enchanted Ivy. Enchanted Ivy, the story of a narnia-esque fantasy world that is connected to the human world through the front gates of Princeton University, unfortunately fell flat as well. It was decently written. It had likable enough, if perhaps slightly dull, characters, along with your standard sexed-up cast of fuzzy fantasy friends...more

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Dec 29, 2010 Beverly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazon Product Description:

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. T...more

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Aug 10, 2011 Marina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, contemporary

The Scoop:
Lily Carter doesn't know there are two Princetons (as in Princeton University). Two Princetons that exist parallel to each other--one mystical, one normal. All it takes is one step through the FitzRandolph Gateway to get from one Princeton to the other. As long as you have "the key."
Lily and her mother travel with Lily's grandfather to his 50th class reunion. Upon her arrival she is given the option for early admission that is guaranteed without having to submit grades or SAT scores....more The Scoop:
Lily Carter doesn't know there are two Princetons (as in Princeton University). Two Princetons that exist parallel to each other--one mystical, one normal. All it takes is one step through the FitzRandolph Gateway to get from one Princeton to the other. As long as you have "the key."
Lily and her mother travel with Lily's grandfather to his 50th class reunion. Upon her arrival she is given the option for early admission that is guaranteed without having to submit grades or SAT scores. All she must do is find the Ivy Key. First she must figure out what the Ivy Key is. With the help of the mysterious Tye and his tiger-striped hair and the blushing and beautiful Jake, Lily uncovers the meaning of the key and also her own magical background and the truth behind her father's death.

My Thoughts:

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book I couldn't help but compare the character of Lily and her story to Harry Potter and the HP book series. Like Harry, Lily escaped an attack by a magical creature only to lose her father who was killed saving her life from the Chained Dragon that attacked them. She was left with her mother and grandfather (both much nicer than Harry's aunt, uncle and cousin). Like Harry, instead of Lily and her mother living in the magical world that she was born in they hid out with Muggles . . . uh, humans, until Lily reached a certain age.
I also want to say how satisfying it is to read a stand-alone book that has a full conclusion to the story. I've been reading so many books that are a part of a series lately that I'm feeling a bit of cliffhanger-itis. As well as an overload of background story and non-essential, superfluous information. It was good to get a book where the background information and the action part of the story were woven together instead of taking up almost half of the first book in a series. That being said I enjoyed the pace of the story and how it came to a completion. I didn't however like that it left little time for developing the characters emotional connections. I could already tell that Lily had a strong connection to her mother and grandfather but the two guys--Tye and Jake--didn't get a fair shake in making a connection with Lily before all hell broke loose. They did show their strengths and how their relationship to Lily was beneficial but I didn't feel that swoon aspect (or emotional connection) that makes me want to root for one or the other. The relationships just sort of fell into place without any work or conflict. And after a similar magical connection that I just read in Hourglass (I know, I know, that is part of a series but it still gave us somewhat of a conclusion at the end of the book so I'll count it--albeit reluctantly) I was a little disappointed that it was written the way it was. Overall, though, I have to say that it was a really good read and I would recommend it to those that enjoy a well-written, stand alone story about magical universes.(less)

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Mar 28, 2013 Amelie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-bookshelf

ZUR AUFMACHUNG

Ich persönlich mag die deutsche Version sehr, auch wenn Lily nie in einem solchen Kleid durch die Gegend läuft. Trotzdem! Das Original ist aber auch nicht schlecht. Auch der Titel gefällt mir gut!
Ich bin mir relativ sicher, dass es sich hier um einen Einzelband handelt, da es recht abgeschlossen endet und Sarah Beth Durst auch schon einen weiteren Roman veröffentlicht hat, der auch wieder sehr gut klingt und "Vessel" heißt.

ZUM BUCH

Ich habe von der Autorin ja auch schon Ice gelesen...more

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Aug 10, 2011 Hope rated it 3 of 5 stars

I’ve had this book on my to-be-read list for a while, well since the day I discovered it on Goodreads. I just never got around to buying it, I think I checked my local book store to see if they had it. They didn’t and since then I forgot about it. So week or so ago I was at the library and I saw the book, I started to read it right there at the library.

This book was alright, there was nothing wow about it. It was decant read, I enjoyed it, but I found that there is that something missing. I rea...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Jennavier rated it 5 of 5 stars

As some of you may know I'm a huge Sarah Beth Durst fan. If I every met her I think my voice would raise through octaves and the only people that could understand are animated chipmunks in brightly colored jackets. That being said, I was a little non-plussed about Enchanted Ivy. The book starts off with a homage to the awesomeness of Princeton, something I really couldn't care less about. I always thought that those book/movies/tv shows that were all about getting into the perfect school were re...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Steffi und Kay his-and-her-books rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Zitat:
"Du hast jetzt ein neues Schicksal. Ein wichtiges und aufregendes. Wenn du mich lässt, zeig ich es dir."
(S. 131)

Inhalt:
Lili besucht gemeinsam mit ihrer Mutter und ihrem Großvater ein Ehemaligen-Treffen in Princeton, zu dem ihr Großvater normalerweise allein fährt. Doch in diesem Jahr hat er eine Überraschung für sie. Lily wird vom altehrwürdigen Vineyard Club eingeladen, den Legacy Test durchzuführen. Sollte sie die Aufgabe, den Ivy Key zu finden, schaffen, erfüllt sich ihr größter Traum:...more

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Aug 15, 2012 Nina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

*Inhalt*
Lilys größter Traum ist es, eines Tages an der berühmten Princeton University zu studieren, die auch schon ihr Großvater besuchte. Als das alljährliche Absolvententreffen ansteht, ist die 16 jährige umso überraschter, als ihr Großvater sie und ihre Mutter einlädt, ihn dieses Mal zu begleiten und bald steht sie das erste Mal auf dem Campus. Dort angekommen lässt die nächste Überraschung nicht lange auf sich warten: Ihr Großvater führt sie in den berühmt-berüchtigten Vineyard Club, wo ihr...more *Inhalt*
Lilys größter Traum ist es, eines Tages an der berühmten Princeton University zu studieren, die auch schon ihr Großvater besuchte. Als das alljährliche Absolvententreffen ansteht, ist die 16 jährige umso überraschter, als ihr Großvater sie und ihre Mutter einlädt, ihn dieses Mal zu begleiten und bald steht sie das erste Mal auf dem Campus. Dort angekommen lässt die nächste Überraschung nicht lange auf sich warten: Ihr Großvater führt sie in den berühmt-berüchtigten Vineyard Club, wo ihr etwas fast unglaubliches vorgeschlagen wird: Lily soll einen sogenannten "Ivy-Key" finden und dessen Rätsel lösen - dann wird sie sofort und ohne großes Bewerbungsverfahren in Princeton aufgenommen. Das Mädchen nimmt dieses Angebot natürlich sofort an und macht sich auf die Suche nach dem geheimnisvollen Schlüssen, doch schon bald ranken sich noch mehr Geheimnisse um die ganze Universität und schon bald gerät Lily in eine Welt voller Magie, übernatürlichen Wesen und einem erbitterten Kampf zwischen Menschen und magischer Kreaturen...

*Zitate*
"Die Straße zur Princeton University wurde von mächtigen Ulmen gesäumt, deren Kronen mindestens eine halbe Meile weit ein mächtiges, sonnendurchflutetes Gewölbe bildeten, durch das sie fuhren wie durch einen goldgrünen Tunnel. Blätter schwangen sanft in einer leichten Brise, und Lily wollte ihre Arme weit nach oben strecken, um den Wind einzufangen. Ihre Finger stießen unsanft gegen den Autohimmel. Verlegen ließ sie die Hände sinken und beschränkte sich darauf, aus dem Fenster zu starren."

"Der Gargoyle seufzte. »Ich würde es begrüßen, wenn wir auf all diesen Unsinn von wegen ›Das soll wohl ein Scherz sein‹ oder ›Das kann einfach nicht wahr sein‹ oder ›Das muss ein Traum sein‹ verzichten könnten. Wollen wir uns nicht einfach darauf einigen, dass ich ein magisches Wesen aus einer Parallelwelt bin, und diese Lektion abhaken?« Lily musste lachen. Zumindest hatte der Besitzer der Stimme Sinn für Humor."

*Fazit*
"Ivy - Steinerne Wächter" ist der zweite Roman der Autorin Sarah Beth Durst, der im Egmont Lyx Verlag erschienen ist. Zwar habe ich ihren ersten Roman "Ice - Hüter des Nordens" nie gelesen, jedoch nur gutes davon gehört, weswegen ich es mir einfach nicht nehmen lassen konnte, ihren neuen Roman möglichst bald zu lesen. Ich ging mit den Erwartungen einer guten Fantasy-Geschichte an diesen Roman heran, dieses Mal wurden meine Erwartungen jedoch bei weitem übertroffen. Doch alles der Reihe nach.

Die Hauptprotagonistin Lily begegnet uns als sympathisches und starkes junges Mädchen, dass mit ihrer Mutter bei ihrem Großvater wohnt und oft im Blumenladen ihres Großvaters aushilft. Lily's Mutter Rose leidet seit längerem an, von Lily so liebevoll genannten, "Hirnhicksern" die dafür sorgen, dass sie Erinnerungslücken hat, sich oft etwas seltsam aufführt und so voll und ganz auf ihre Tochter angewiesen ist. Lily sorgt sich liebevoll um ihre kranke Mutter, immer und überall, und das alles voller Liebe und Hingabe. Mit Hilfe ihres Großvaters klappt das alles auch wunderbar und als er dann beschließt, Rose und Lily mit nach Princeton zu nehmen ist Lily total aus dem Häuschen. Princeton ist ihr Traum und sie freut sich wahnsinnig, diesen Traum auch mal live erleben zu dürfen. In Princeton angekommen begegnen ihr so allerlei seltsame Dinge und Gestalten, Lily meistert jedoch alle Hürden mit einer Stärke und Willenskraft und vorallem einer inneren Ruhe, dass es einem als Leser einiges an Bewunderung abringt - auch wenn sie zu Anfang etwas an ihrem Verstand zweifelt und schon befürchtet, ebenfalls an "Hirnhicksern" zu leiden! Auf dem Campus lernst sie schließlich auch Tye kennen, der sie zu unterstützen versucht und der mir auf Anhieb sehr sympathisch war - allein schon auf Grund seiner orange-schwarz gestreiften Haare (=Farben von Princeton)! Auch von seiner Art her wirkt Tye sofort sympathisch, irgendwie auch anziehend und auf jedenfall zaubert er einem von Anfang an schon ein kleines Lächeln auf die Lippen! Doch wie es so oft ist hat auch der nette Tye ein Geheimnis, dass es zu lüften gilt...

Die Figur der Rose, Lily's Mutter, fand ich überaus faszinierend und kreativ, durch ihre Hirnhickser und so manch seltsame Anwandlung wirkt sie einfach anders als jeder andere Charakter und das macht sie zu etwas individuellen. Man kann sich als Leser zwar nicht unbedingt immer in ihre Gefühlswelt hineinversetzen, versteht jedoch durchaus was in ihr vorgeht, wenn ihr wieder einmal auffällt, dass sie sich an etwas nicht erinnern kann. Diese Verzweiflung und Hilflosigkeit kann man als Leser förmlich greifen und animiert einen dazu, einen ausgeprägten "Helferwillen" zu entwickeln und der guten Frau ihren Schmerz zu nehmen!

Lily's Großvater, sowie einige andere wichtige Protagonisten in diesem Buch wurden ebenfalls äußert raffiniert und liebevoll gestaltet, jeder spielt eine zentrale Rolle und die Charaktere wirken lebhaft, gefühlvoll und soweit realitisch, wie es in einem Fantasyroman eben noch möglich ist. Trotzdem konnte ich persönlich mir sogar vorstellen, dass es tatsächlich zu zugeht wie in diesem Roman und das manche Figuren tatsächlich so existieren - für mich wäre das zumindest stellenweise die Erfüllung eines Traumes!

Die Geschichte selbst ist wunderschön gestaltet, eine geniale Idee wurde zu einer noch besseren Geschichte verfasst, die das Herz eines jeden Fantasy-Liebhabers höher schlagen lässt. Trotz der Menge an Büchern, die ich in meinem Leben schon gelesen habe, muss ich doch sagen, dass es die wenigsten bis zu einem besonderen "Status" geschafft haben - doch dieses Buch hat folgende Aussage redlich verdient: Für mich ist es eines der besten Fantasy-Bücher seit Harry Potter! "Ivy" überzeugt mit wunderschönen bildhaften Beschreibungen, die so präzise beschrieben werden, dass man ganze Wände voller Gemälde anfertigen könnte, die man stundenlang betrachten möchte, nur um sich in ihrer Schönheit zu verlieren Die Autorin spielt mit Worten, umschmeichelt und zieht uns immer tiefer in den Bann aus Fiktion und Realität, bis man dann die letzte Seite zuschlägt, und enttäuscht darüber ist, dass es schon zu Ende ist. Die Geschichte in diesem Buch wird immer weiter aufgebaut, Geheimnisse werden gelüftet und Spannung aufgebaut, die sich dann in einem finalen Showdown entlädt und uns mit dem Gedanken zurücklässt, endlich mal wieder ein richtig grandioses Buch gelesen zu haben. (less)

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Sep 06, 2012 Lea S. rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to Lea by: Kayen Ly

Enchanted Ivy on the surface is about a girl named Lily Carter trying to enter Princeton University. But underneath that are talking gargoyles, were-tigers, fairies, goblins, unicorns, and many other magical creatures.

The first half of the book is about Lily finding the Ivy Key. Finding it is part of the Legacy Test - a test that will ensure one's future in Princeton. She goes through a lot of struggles to find the key... and she doesn't even know what it looks like. Once she finds the key, she...more

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About Sarah Beth Durst

Sarah Beth Durst is the author of Vessel, Drink, Slay, Love, Enchanted Ivy, and Ice from Simon & Schuster, as well as Into the Wild and its sequel Out of the Wild from Penguin Young Readers. Her next book for teens, Conjured, comes out in September 2013 from Bloomsbury/Walker. Her first book for adults, The Lost, comes out in November 2013 from Harlequin/Luna. She has been writing fantasy stor...more

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Quotes from Enchanted Ivy

“Look you don't know I'm your soul mate," Lily said. " You barely know me at all. I have terrible habits. I swallow toothpaste. My socks don't always match. I'm not good at small talk. I'm just about the most unpopular kid in class, a close third behind the guy who doesn't shower and the girl who's a compulsive liar. Besides, it's not like Jake and me... He was just being nice."
"You are my soul mate, even if you don't know it yet," Tye said” — 19 people liked it

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