Kandide and the Secret of the Mists by Diana S. Zimmerman

When Kandide is struck by lightning while picking pomegranates in the meadows, her wing is badly damaged. In the society illustrated in this book, those with injuries are not permitted; the 'Imperfects' are removed from society. Kandide, the soon-to-be queen (because of her father's unexpected death), is sent to the Veil, a place built by Imperfects that was begun by her father and by her mother (with a magic spell). There she meets several notable characters, including Jake, Leanne, and Selena, her mother's long-forgotten sister.

With Kandide out of the way characters with large ambitions begin to try to gain control, such as Lady Aron. In order for their mother to live, Teren and Tara, the siblings of Kandide, search for her.

In the end, everything works out for the better. This book covers many categories/genres such as adventure, action, and even a bit of romance.

The writing in this book wasn't really that complex, but it that doesn't mean that readers will collapse from boredom. It is meant for younger readers, around the middle school grades. This is not a book for those in middle school, at least not generally. Kandide was a pretty quick read, and it wasn't at all a masterpiece; but that's not to say that it was a completely terrible work. I had a slight problem with the foods. For a story that takes place in Europe, it seemed a little strange to eat pomegranates, mangoes, and pineapples. It seemed pretty similar to other books that I've read, what with the strange creatures, forgotten family members, and strange lands. It was pretty full of morals, such as acceptance of those that are different and how absolute power corrupts. This book was ok, but not superb. I'd recommend this book to those in search of a short, quick read without a lot of depth, but with plenty of interesting and unusual characters.

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: Charleston, SC USA