I bought this book based on the cover illustration (Alison Jay) and because I love fairy tales... What a satisfying read! Female protagonist who discovers her strength during the course of the book. I have now given this book as a birthday present to more than one 13-year-old. (Note: A few bits were disturbing and might upset younger readers.)

What to say without giving too much away... It was based on a Grimm's tale, but I had never read the Grimm's version, so going into it, I didn't really know the story. The story has a princess, a goose girl, a prince, and lots of adventure to go with! I really enjoyed the book, and would definitely read another Shannon Hale book.

While this book doesn't really need another review, I thought I would add my two cents worth anyways. I really really enjoyed this novel. Shannon Hale clearly has a gift and crafts wonderful stories. While not the first of her books I've read, this is easily my favorite. Ani is such a likeable character and anyone who has ever been shy can totally relate. Even if one knows the fairytale version of "The Goose Girl", Hale still throws a few new things in the mix (such as the ability to speak to animals, the wind, etc). Absolutely great!

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, spends the first years of her life being trained by her aunt to communicate with animals. Ani soon develops the skills of animal speech but is not very comfortable speaking with people. However, her lady in waiting is quite adept at this and lead s mutiny on Ani. Ani is on a journey to be married in a foreign land when this mutiny occurs. Ani escapes but is unable to persuade anyone into helping her. She manages to become goose girl for the king and uses her powers to lead her to her true destiny. I really enjoyed this book. Ani is very interesting character and Shannon Hale uses the novel to develop her character so that everyone who reads it will love her. I love historical aspect of this novel as well. She accurately portrays the ideals of this time. This book keeps you intrigued from the beginning to the end. The end is slightly predictable but right before you begin to question if it will really end the way you thought it would. http://thenovelhovel.blogspot.com/

Anidori-Isilee is a bit unusual. For one thing, she can speak to animals. For another she’s the Crown Princess. Or at least she was. When her father died, she expected to be the ruler of her land but her mother has other ideas. Her mother feels that Ani isn’t suitable for the throne. So her mother strips Ani of her right to the throne and sends her to be married to the prince of the neighbouring realm, Bayern.. But on the way, Ani’s handmaiden, Selia causes a mutiny, forcing Ani to flee and make her way to Bayern on her own. When Ani arrives as Bayern, after Selia and her entourage, she decides to see the King and explain her predicament. But when she goes she discovers that a trick’s been played on her! Selia is marrying the prince, posing as her. Ani knows she won’t be able to convince the king so instead she takes the name Isi and begs for a job.And so she becomes the Goose Girl. But will Isi prove to be a match for the conniving Selia? My only problem with this novel is that it was slow to start off and dragged at certain places. But Shannon Hale created a world that is so easy to immerse one’s self in. The story is filled with the most luscious of descriptions that bring to life both the characters and the world it takes place in.

I read this when I was sad and it made me feel like I Could believe in true love and magic again. I'd definitly recommend this to anyone looking for a great read.

I Loved this book! It was so good! I had to reread it even! The Goose Girl is really good because it descirbes the events and makes them intriguing at the same time!

It was a really good book and i enjoyed it

This fantasy novel is so good! I loved the characters and how the book seemed to take you to that imaginary world. It was just a great fantasy book, you have to read it and see for yourself. If you like lighter, fairytale-like books then you'll like this book.

This is a totally awesome book! Also, be sure to check out the sequel, called Enna Burning.