Books in the series Enchanted Forest Chronicles

Princess Cimorene is not your typical fairy tale princess. She has no interest in embroidery, etiquette, or marrying a dull prince. Instead, she prefers fencing, magic, and Latin. When her parents try to force her into a traditional marriage, Cimorene takes matters into her own hands and runs away to the Mountains of Morning to volunteer as a dragon's princess. This delightful story is perfect for children who love strong-willed heroines and stories that flip classic tropes on their heads.

Living with the dragon Kazul is much more exciting than life at the palace. Cimorene organizes the dragon's library, cooks exotic meals, and helps defend the dragon's cave from pesky knights and meddling wizards. As she uncovers a plot involving the Society of Wizards, Cimorene must use her wit and unconventional skills to save her new friends. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in fractured fairy tales, witty dialogue, and magical adventures that empower young readers to be themselves.

Highlights:

• A refreshing and hilarious subversion of traditional fairy tale stereotypes.
• Features a highly capable, intelligent, and independent female protagonist.
• Engaging world-building filled with dragons, wizards, and magical creatures.
• Perfect for fans of humor-driven fantasy and clever problem-solving.

In Searching for Dragons, the second installment of the beloved Enchanted Forest Chronicles, King Mendanbar of the Enchanted Forest finds himself in a bit of a pickle. His kingdom's magic is leaking, and all signs point to the pesky wizards. When he ventures out to investigate, he crosses paths with the unconventional Princess Cimorene, who has abandoned traditional royal life to live with dragons. Together, they embark on a witty and perilous quest to rescue the dragon king, Kazul, from the clutches of scheming wizards.

This book is perfect for children who love stories that flip fairy tale tropes on their heads. Patricia C. Wrede crafts a world where princesses are practical, kings are sensible, and dragons are the most reasonable creatures around. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in humorous fantasy and clever protagonists who use their wits rather than just magic or brawn to solve problems. Fans of the first book, Dealing with Dragons, will find this sequel just as charming and fast-paced.

Highlights:

• A refreshing subversion of classic fairy tale stereotypes and gender roles.
• A humorous and engaging dynamic between the two lead characters, Mendanbar and Cimorene.
• A clever mystery involving magic-stealing wizards and dragon politics.
• Great choice for fans of The Princess Bride or How to Train Your Dragon.

In the third installment of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, the wizards are up to their old tricks again, but this time they have stolen King Mendanbar’s magic sword. Without the sword to balance the magic, the Enchanted Forest is in grave danger of being drained completely. It is up to Morwen, the sensible witch with nine cats, Queen Cimorene, and a ragtag group of companions to track down the wizards and reclaim the stolen artifact before the forest perishes.

Calling on Dragons is a delightful and humorous adventure that continues Patricia C. Wrede’s tradition of subverting classic fairy tale tropes. This book is perfect for children who love stories featuring strong, independent female characters and witty dialogue. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in fractured fairy tales and those who enjoy a mix of high-stakes magic and laugh-out-loud comedy. Fans of the previous books will love seeing Morwen take a lead role alongside the ever-capable Cimorene.

Highlights:

• A clever and humorous subversion of traditional fairy tale tropes.
• Features a strong, sensible witch protagonist and her many talking cats.
• Engaging world-building centered on the unique magic of the Enchanted Forest.
• Perfect for fans of The Princess Bride or Howl’s Moving Castle.

Talking to Dragons is the delightful conclusion to Patricia C. Wrede’s beloved Enchanted Forest Chronicles. The story follows Daystar, a young man who has grown up on the edge of the Enchanted Forest with his mother, Cimorene. When his mother hands him a magical sword and sends him into the forest without much explanation, Daystar must navigate a world filled with polite dragons, wicked wizards, and eccentric companions. This book is perfect for children who love fractured fairy tales and stories that flip traditional fantasy tropes on their heads.

Ideal for readers interested in humorous adventures and magical quests, this novel stands out for its witty dialogue and clever world-building. While it is the fourth book in the series, it offers a fresh perspective through Daystar’s eyes, making it a great choice for fans of the previous books or those looking for a lighthearted yet high-stakes fantasy. It’s a wonderful pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy stories about self-discovery and the importance of choosing one's own path.

Highlights:

• A humorous and refreshing take on classic fairy tale tropes.
• Engaging characters, including a very sensible dragon and a fire-witch.
• A fast-paced quest filled with magic, mystery, and wit.
• Explores themes of identity and family heritage in a fun, accessible way.