Great fairytale for everyone older than ten (although I think women in general will like this book better). ( )

The original fairy tale that Goose Girl is based upon, The Goose Girl, is followed faithfully throughout this novel. Hale does an excellent job of expanding upon that tale and adding her own elements without making the additions seem superfluous. Ani (or Isi as she spends much of the book called) isn't a character to take lightly, but she doesn't come off as annoying or 'all-powerful'. Her growth is what makes this book so enjoyable.

Ani isn't like other princesses in that she doesn't act spoiled or enjoy being the center of attention. She has self-confidence issues, as well as an uncertainty about her purpose in the world. After her hand-maiden's (Selia's) betrayal and the knowledge that relying too heavily on 'magic' only ends in disaster, Ani takes her life in her own hands and begins to become a stronger person. She accepts that she had taken everything for granted in her old life and from then on proves that she isn't useless.

I adored Ani turned Isi. She never quite let herself become an angst-machine, doesn't wallow in self-pity and someone come save me woes. She makes a plan, finds it to be flawed in the extreme and makes a new plan. She's persistent in her belief that she needs to get back to her Kingdom (Kildenree) and tell her Mother the Queen about her hand-maiden's treachery. Once the imposter princess' plans for Kildenree and Bayern are revealed, she redoubles her efforts in order to save lives.

The isolation and aloneness that Isi feels, first as the Crown Princess of Kildenree then as Isi the Goose Girl, is keenly felt throughout the novel. Its not that Isi didn't want to make friends, or have people to talk to, but her experiences have taught her that betrayal lies around every corner, something she could no longer afford. As she grows to know the other animal keepers however she begins friendships that are true and lasting--Enna who feels a kinship with fire, Razo with his quick wit and humor. In the forest as well she met people that she felt comfortable with--Finn and his mother Gilsa, who help her when she is injured and sick.

Her romance with Geric is the least covered plot development in the whole of the book I think. Its not that it was sudden or abrupt, or felt rushed, but its simple just another piece of her tale. Their connection was real and their conversation was easy banter. I enjoyed seeing their interactions because during them Isi really proved how far she had come from the beginning of the novel when light chatter at a tea party tangled her tongue.

The finale was heart breaking and filled with courage. Isi may not have had the power of 'people-speak' (a magic that makes the user's words seem like the truth), but she had the power of understanding. She knew the people she was fighting with and for, she understood their fears and strengths, knew she could count on their support and love. They didn't fight just because they were her friends, they fought because they believed in her ability to help everyone.

Goose Girl is a wonderful, shining example of young adult literature that doesn't take growing up lightly. Though a fantasy with magic and royalty, Goose Girl is really a book about a girl who learns her own value through adversity and pain. ( )

Crown Princess Anidori-Kiladra of the kingdom of Kildrenree is hurt when her mother passes her over to make her younger brother the heir and instead arranges a marriage alliance for her with the neighbouring country of Bayern. Things only get worse when her lady-in-waiting, Selia, conspires to kill her on the journey and replace her as the prince’s bride. Surviving the attack but separated from her beloved horse and her loyal captain of the guard, Ani makes her way to the capital city of Bayern and takes the job of goose girl while she makes a plan to expose Selia’s treachery. Her unique skill of talking to birds gives her an advantage, but it also draws unwanted attention … and Selia’s guards are still hunting for her.

It is chock-full of beautiful nature imagery and interesting characters. I love this world where magic is not the power to control but rather the ability to communicate. This is a book that you can just sink down into like a really soft bed! ( )

A few folks who preceded me in finishing this book have done a good job in outlining the plot, so I'll refrain from revisiting that.

If someone was looking for a book for a 12 or 13 year old girl, I'd probably give this book 5 stars. It's a beautifully written fairy tale with a wonderful, likable heroine. There are elements of fantasy and romance woven in, but nothing is overdone or melodramatic.

However, I didn't feel it was the type of YA book that translated well for adults (though apparently I'm wrong since several well read adults here seemed to really enjoy it!). So I'll amend to that to say "translate well for me". It just seemed like too simple a story to me and too unrealistic. I felt an admiration for the writer's skills, but I couldn't really embrace the story myself. I didn't feel any drive to pick up the book once I had put it down. The plot just didn't grab me. And frankly, neither did the characters.

So, let's just leave it at - - well written, perfect for the target audience, but not my cup of tea. ( )

I'm not very familiar with The Goose Girl story, though I did read it. Obviously, the story didn't stick with me because I didn't remember much other than the princess was forced to change places with her maid. Hale's retelling brought the entire tale to life in a very engaging way. I loved it, and will be reading the rest of the series because I want to find out what happens to all the characters! ( )