Enchantee

Description

Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries - and magicians . . . When smallpox kills her parents, seventeen-year-old Camille is left to provide for her frail sister and her volatile brother. In desperation, she survives by using the petty magic she learnt from her mother. But when her brother disappears Camille decides to pursue a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Using dark magic Camille transforms herself into the 'Baroness de la Fontaine' and presents herself at the court of Versaille, where she soon finds herself swept up in a dizzying life of riches, finery and suitors. But Camille's resentment of the rich is at odds with the allure of their glamour and excess, and she soon discovers that she's not the only one leading a double life . . . Enchantee is a compelling historical fantasy and is Gita Trelease's debut novel.

Born in Sweden, Gita Trelease has lived in New York, Paris, and tiny town in central Italy, though she has spent most of her life in New England. She attended Yale College and New York University, where she earned a Ph.D. in English literature and culture. Along with her husband and son, Gita divides her time between a village in Massachusetts and the coast of Maine. Enchantee is Gita's debut novel.

Enchantee is a lit firework crackling with treacherous magic, decadent romance and disguises that take on lives of their own. I adore this gorgeous, deliciously addictive book! -- Stephanie Garber, author of Caraval An intoxicating blend of opulence, magic, intrigue and romance. Gita Trelease deftly balances a spellbinding story of desperation and deceit on the precipice of the epic revolution that changed history. Camille's tale wrapped around me as entrancingly as her magical gown. -- Alwyn Hamilton, author of Rebel of the Sands 'Trelease is a supremely confident writer... [Enchantee is] a triumph of high jinx over history, which should keep young readers enthralled to the meticulously plotted end' -- Emily Bearns * Telegraph * Romantic, decadent and glamorous, it's a hugely entertaining historical fantasy and Macmillan's biggest YA debut of the spring. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller * An immersive, glittering debut that intriguingly blends history and fantasy. A striking examination of power, privilege, and choice in a limited world, that makes Trelease a new voice to watch. * Booklist * Distinctive characters, vivid 18th-century images of Paris and Versailles, lively French-infused dialogue, an appealing heroine, and an upbeat ending propel this lengthy romantic fantasy. Romance and fantasy readers will enjoy the magic realism, ruse and tension of Camille's double identity, authentic historical references, and Camille's daring, passionate spirit. A must-have. * School Library Journal, starred review * Set against the burgeoning throes of revolution, this immersive drama makes brilliant use of its conceit, suggesting that the decadent opulence of the French nobility was maintained by a fragile illusion that depended on the abject sorrow and blood of the French people. The period detail is exquisite, with Camille's family situation and the inclusion of the problems surrounding the development of the hot-air balloon (Camille falls for an aeronaut) enabling readers to see what daily life was like for various classes of people as well as what new technologies were on the horizon. Fans of substantial historical romance as well as fantasy will be thoroughly enchanted. * The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * This is a book to be savoured: from the rich, detailed descriptions of Paris on the brink of revolution; to the witty repartee and tender romance; to the dark, dangerous thread of magic woven through this wonderfully vivid world. -- Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion A heady sparkling dream of a book. One of the best fantasies I've read in years. -- Margaret Rogerson, author of An Enchantment of Ravens A fine teen novel [...] a thrilling account of love, passion and adventure. * Literary Review * Trelease does a marvellous job of transporting the reader to the vibrant streets and rooftops of Paris on the brink of a Revolution. Her writing is truly captivating * NYA Lit Festival * Magic, treachery and romance aplenty is woven into this enchanting tale * Candis * A deliciously decadent historical romance set in Paris that is awash with enchantment, deceit and adventure. It will set your heart racing. C'est Magnifique! * South Wales Evening Post * A decadent and romantic blend of history and fantasy * I *