Ella Enchanted | FAQ & 11 Books Like It

Ella Enchanted | FAQ & 11 Books Like It

February 8, 2024
·
4 min
Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there bookworms! So, have you ever wished you could cast spells or have animals talk to you? If so, then do I have a recommendation for you: Ella Enchanted! This enchanting novel, written by Gail Carson Levine, takes us on a magical journey filled with curses, bravery, and a dash of romance. Trust me, once you dive into Ella's world, you won't want to put this book down! Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is Ella Enchanted all about? Well, imagine a world where at birth, every child is cursed with the gift of obedience. Sounds strange, right? But for Ella, it's more than just a nuisance. It's a curse that controls her every action and every word. However, Ella is no ordinary girl. Determined to break free from this enchantment, she embarks on a perilous adventure filled with bravery, friendship, and self-discovery. If you loved Ella Enchanted and are eager to find more books like it, you're in for a treat! Throughout this series of articles, I'll be your trusty book companion and share recommendations for captivating reads that capture that same magical feeling. So, get ready to dive into a world of enchantment and embark on new literary adventures. Let's begin this journey together, shall we?
A book cover image of Ella Enchanted
A book cover image of Ella Enchanted
Fantasy
Coming of Age
Fairy Tales

The Goose Girl

The Goose Girl is a captivating fairy tale retelling that follows a young princess who must navigate betrayal, danger, and the power of her own voice to reclaim her rightful place on the throne. This enchanting story weaves together magic, self-discovery, and the courage to stand up for oneself.
Author
Shannon Hale
Year Written
2003
The Goose Girl
Fantasy
Coming of Age
Education

Princess Academy

"Princess Academy" by Shannon Hale is a captivating tale that follows Miri, a young mountain girl, as she attends a secluded academy to prepare for a princess's visit. As Miri navigates the challenges of her new school and discovers hidden strengths within herself, she becomes an unlikely contender for the princess's future.
Author
Shannon Hale
Year Written
2005
Princess Academy
Mystery
Thriller
Classic

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a gripping novella by Robert Louis Stevenson that explores the dark duality of human nature through the story of a respected doctor and his menacing alter ego. Stevenson masterfully delves into themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of unleashing our hidden desires.
Author
Robert Louis Stevenson
Year Written
1886
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Fantasy
Romance
Adventure

Stardust

"Stardust" is an enchanting tale of a young man named Tristran Thorn who ventures into the magical realm of Faerie to find a fallen star and win the heart of his beloved. This captivating story blends elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, taking readers on an extraordinary journey through a world filled with whimsical creatures, daring quests, and unexpected twists.
Author
Neil Gaiman
Year Written
1997
Stardust
Fantasy
Adventure
Young Adult

The Secret of Platform 13

"The Secret of Platform 13" is a captivating children's book filled with magic and adventure. It tells the story of a hidden portal at Platform 13 that connects our world to a mysterious island where fantastical creatures reside.
Author
Eva Ibbotson
Year Written
1994
The Secret of Platform 13
Adventure
Fantasy
Courage

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

"The Two Princesses of Bamarre" is a captivating tale of bravery and sisterly love, following the journey of two princesses as they face a deadly quest to save their kingdom from a dangerous disease. With a mix of fantasy elements and a heartfelt storyline, it explores the power of courage and determination in the face of adversity.
Author
Gail Carson Levine
Year Written
2001
The Two Princesses of Bamarre
Fantasy
Adventure
Politics

The False Prince

"The False Prince is a thrilling tale of a cunning orphan who is forced to impersonate the missing prince, navigating a treacherous web of lies and political intrigue to survive. This fast-paced fantasy novel captivates readers with its twists and turns, leaving them eagerly turning the pages until the shocking finale."
Author
Jennifer A. Nielsen
Year Written
2012
The False Prince
Thriller
Crime
Psychological

I Hunt Killers

"I Hunt Killers" is a gripping thriller by Barry Lyga that follows the story of Jasper Dent, the son of a notorious serial killer, as he uses his knowledge to help solve a string of murders terrorizing his town. Filled with twists and turns, it delves into the dark psychology of a young man struggling to escape his own past while facing the horrors of a present-day killer.
Author
Barry Lyga.
Year Written
2012
I Hunt Killers
Fantasy
Adventure
Young Adult

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles is a delightful series that follows the adventures of a feisty princess named Cimorene, who runs away from her kingdom to become a dragon's princess. With humorous characters and a unique twist on fairy tales, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and strong female protagonists.
Author
Patricia C. Wrede
Year Written
1990
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles
Fiction
Contemporary
Turkish

Snow

"Snow" is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of interconnected characters during a mysterious snowstorm, exploring themes of love, longing, and the power of human connection. With poetic prose and rich imagery, the book paints a vivid picture of a small town caught in the grip of both literal and metaphorical snowfall.
Author
Orhan Pamuk
Year Written
2002
Snow
Fantasy
Fiction
Magic

The Girl Who Drank The Moon

"The Girl Who Drank The Moon is a whimsical and enchanting tale about a young girl named Luna, a kind witch, and a magical forest that intertwines their lives in unexpected ways."
Author
Kelly Barnhill
Year Written
2016
The Girl Who Drank The Moon

FAQ

Overview

"Ella Enchanted" is a delightful young adult fantasy novel by Gail Carson Levine that puts a fresh twist on the Cinderella story. The protagonist, Ella, is born with a curse that forces her to be obedient to every command she hears, which leads to some pretty complicated and often hilarious situations. Determined to break free from her curse, Ella embarks on a journey where she encounters fairies, ogres, and even Prince Charming himself. Along the way, Ella discovers her own strength and bravery, as she fights against the forces that control her life and searches for her own happily ever after. Levine does a fantastic job of weaving magic, humor, and heartwarming moments into this reimagining of a classic fairy tale. Ella's spunky personality and determination make her an endearing and relatable heroine, while the colorful cast of supporting characters adds depth and charm to the story. "Ella Enchanted" is a perfect choice for those who love magical adventures, strong female protagonists, and a healthy dose of humor and romance. It's a captivating read that will fill your imagination with wonders and leave you feeling uplifted.

Length of Read

The average reader, reading at a speed of 300 WPM, would take 3h52m to read Ella Enchanted

Main Characters

- Ella of Frell: Our brave and witty protagonist who is cursed with obedience, making her journey to find her own voice and break free from the curse the heart of the story. - Prince Charmont (Char): The charming and kind-hearted prince who captures Ella's heart and joins her in her quest to free herself from the curse. - Hattie and Olive: Ella's stepsisters, Hattie being the manipulative and power-hungry one, while Olive is the more innocent and kind-hearted sibling, both adding complexity to Ella's life. - Lucinda: The mischievous fairy who casts the curse on Ella, often appearing at unexpected times and causing chaos in her life. - Mandy: Ella's caring and wise fairy godmother who helps her navigate the challenges of the curse and provides guidance and support along the way. - Sir Peter: Ella's loyal and protective childhood friend, who becomes an ally in her quest to break the curse and helps her uncover secrets about her past. - Slannen: A sweet and humorous elf who joins Ella's journey, adding a touch of magic and lightheartedness to the story. - Dame Olga: Ella's wicked stepmother, who constantly mistreats her and adds conflict to Ella's life as she tries to break free from her curse.

Ending & Meaning

In the epic finale of Ella Enchanted, our beloved protagonist Ella breaks free from the curse that has plagued her life. With her fierce determination and unwavering spirit, she confronts the evil fairy Lucinda and demands to be released from the obedience spell that has controlled her every action. Lucinda, taken aback by Ella's courage, grants her wish, and our heroine finally gains the freedom she so desperately craves. But the story doesn't end there. Ella's newfound independence inspires her to stand up for others and fight against injustice. She becomes a champion for the rights of fairies, ogres, and all creatures who have suffered under the tyranny of magic. Ella's journey teaches us the importance of self-empowerment and the strength that comes from breaking free from the chains that bind us. It reminds us that we have the power to shape our own destiny and make a difference in the world, no matter the obstacles we face. So, grab a copy of Ella Enchanted and embark on a magical adventure filled with courage, love, and the triumph of the human spirit.
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