Unlocking the Spell by E. D. Baker

Bloomsbury, 2012. ISBN 9781408838457.
(Age: 10+) Unlocking the Spell is a sequel to The Wide Awake Princess. The story follows Princess Annie, who is the only person in the kingdom who can repel magic and dissolve spells. After waking her sister Gwendolyn from her hundred-year sleep by finding her prince Beldegard who just so happens to be a bear, Annie is harassed by hundreds of villagers hoping to see through magic spells. The only relief she gets is when she sees her beloved Liam. Unfortunately her free time is affected when Gwendolyn constantly nags Annie to spend time with her and Beldegard, as Annie's special spell-repelling skills temporarily remove the bear spell that was cast upon him. A decision is made to hunt for the evil dwarf who cast the spell on Beldegard, but there are a few unexpected travellers along for the trip. Will Annie find the evil dwarf and turn Beldegard back into a man? What other creatures will they encounter along the way? And will the annoying fairies ever leave Annie alone?
The novel is aimed at independent readers aged 10 plus. The author has cleverly woven other fairy tales, legends and myths into the story, adding humour and lots of twists and exciting adventures along the way. A thoroughly enjoyable story that girls will love.
Jemma Lorenz