The Goose Girl (The Books of Bayern, #1) in The World of Shannon Hale

May 12, 2011 Becca brown rated it it was amazing

Shelves: absolute-all-time-favorite

“She was born Anidori-Kaladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree and she did not open her eyes for three days…” that is how the story starts. From the very first sentence this book captivates the reader and sweeps you into a tale worth reading again and again. While traveling to the neighboring country of Bayern to be married to the foreign prince, Ani is betrayed by half her guards who attempt to kill her and all those who chose to remain loyal, in order to make Selia—her maid in wait “She was born Anidori-Kaladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree and she did not open her eyes for three days…” that is how the story starts. From the very first sentence this book captivates the reader and sweeps you into a tale worth reading again and again. While traveling to the neighboring country of Bayern to be married to the foreign prince, Ani is betrayed by half her guards who attempt to kill her and all those who chose to remain loyal, in order to make Selia—her maid in waiting—the queen. Ani manages a hair-breadth escape, but now what was she to do? She knows it would be impossible to return to her home-land in Kildenree on foot, so her only choice was to continue her way through the dark woods to Bayern. Here she eventually becomes the king’s goose girl and for the first time, experiences what it is like to be hungry, dirty, lonely, and afraid. Over time, Ani gains the trust of other fellow animal workers who are determined to help her reclaim the crown that is rightfully hers, before Selia fools the prince into marrying her. But the day of marriage is fast approaching and already Bayern troops are marching to Kildenree, and the very air is tense—for Selia has declared war.
This story is wonderfully and beautifully told, full of magic and lovely imagination. It is truly enchanting. From the moment you pick it up, Shannon Hale drowns you in rich, lyrical, and simply poetic imagery. Her writing is very original and real as she tells through the brave heroine what it means to be loyal, to have integrity and to find within yourself personal strength and courage. Hale’s vivid descriptions cause the reader to feel inside the story; which takes you on an adventure full of danger, suspence, romance and suprising twists.
“Hale weaves a complex pattern of magic and romance in this intense coming-of-age tale. Lyrical language supplies a sensual energy that subtly infuses the text. This novel [is] a journey worth taking.”(The bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)
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Apr 22, 2009 Rebekah Faith rated it it was amazing

Shelves: chick-lit

This book is definitely one of my all-time favorites. Rereading this Book of Bayern feels like reliving the best parts of my childhood. And, given that it's been many a year since rereading, I'm struck by just how much I have been shaped by it. The Goose Girl is a childhood favorite that will stay with me well into my foray into adulthood, if not the rest of my life. ...more

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Dec 10, 2010 Crystl Naylor rated it it was amazing

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! The main character is so relate-able and easy to like. Shannon Hale is my favorite author. Her writing style is so easy to read. I love her worlds she creates and it's so effortless to merge into it while reading.

Safe for all ages. Written for Young Adult genre. ...more

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Apr 22, 2009 Amy rated it it was amazing

I love books about past queens and princesses as long as their is no head chopping(: This book was about a young princess and a journey that tells aboout life, war, and love. It is such a well written book. I haven't read the next two but I can't wait! ...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Phynix Bryne rated it liked it · review of another edition

This was the first book my mom picked out for me when i started reading, she said she liked the cover and it seemed heathly for a young girl. I didnt argue with her, i accepted the book and i actually enjoy it too much from my account. The goose girl is one of my favorite characters in the series, their magical powers interest me in many ways. What i liked most about this book is that it is not in our time era but in the past where horses exited as cars and there was wars and swords and bows wer ...more

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