Fairest

Fairest

By Gail Carson Levine

34 ratings 26 reviews 66 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 6 - 8Grades 2 - 8V4.158129

In the kingdom of Ayortha, who is the fairest of them all? Certainly not Aza. She is thoroughly convinced that she is ugly. What she may lack in looks, though, she makes up for with a kind heart, and with something no one else has–a magical voice. Her vocal talents captivate all who hear them, and in Ontio Castle they attract the attention of a handsome prince – and a dangerous new queen. In this masterful novel filled with humour, adventure, romance, and song, Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine invites you to join Aza as she discovers how exquisite she truly is.

Ages 8 – 14

Publisher: HarperCollins
Published on 7/24/2012
Binding: Paperback

Book Reviews (27)

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this is a really good book. it took me a while to read it, but the i am happy that i finished. the book was interesting and had a good storyline.

Gail Carson Levine has written this epic tale!! with adveture and just a tad bit of romance, this book will entice anyone. Aza will lead you through a time of trials and some people are not who they say they are in the book! i reccommend this book to many!!!!:);)

this is one of the best books ever!!! i first saw this book on my sister's shelf in her apartment and i asked her if i could borrow it because it looked good. once i started reading it, i just could not put it down!!! you will like this book.:)

Abandoned as an infant, Aza lives with her adoptive family at the inn they run in the kingdom of Ayortha. Considered ugly, with her pale complexion, blood red lips, black hair, and large frame, the taunting and gawking of the inn patrons causes Aza to shy away from others and feel self-concious. Her only reprieve comes from singing - in a land where song is an integral part of society, Aza's voice is an undeniable gift. When tending to a guest room one day, Aza accidently stumbles upon a new way to use her talent - she discovers the ability to project her voice - or 'illusing,' as she calls it - to sound from anywhere in the room, a talent that proves to be very rare and coveted. At age fifteen, when the duchess of Olixo, a frequent guest at the inn, unexpectedly invites Aza to accompany her to the Ayorthaian king's wedding, she finds herself amid oppourtunities she never imagined. King Oscaro's bride, Ivi, befriends Aza, presenting to her the position of the queen's lady-in-waiting, with the promise of land, riches, and the chance to hold the title of Lady; thinking she would be able to help her family with the money, she accepts the offer. But when misfortune strikes the king, Queen Ivi's true nature is revealed when she blackmails Aza into illusing for her at the king's 'Healing Sing,' and at any point thereafter when singing was required. As if that wasn't enough, unrest and backlash against Ivi and Aza rises throughout the kingdom, after the queen's unfair rule outlaws singing, exiles birds from the palace, and refuses aid to people in need. Despairing and still yearning for the acceptance of those around her, Aza finds solace in her blossoming friendship with the king's nephew, Prince Ijori, until disaster strikes when a confrontation between Ivi and several of her attendants leads to the revelation of the illusing deal between the queen and her lady-in-waiting - Ivi twists the blame onto Aza, and after cruel accusations are made about her possible half-non-human ancestry and some unwitting magic takes place, Aza is thrown into the dungeon. " Jessica Sayers, Resident Scholar

Abandoned as an infant, Aza lives with her adoptive family at the inn they run in the kingdom of Ayortha. Considered ugly, with her pale complexion, blood red lips, black hair, and large frame, the taunting and gawking of the inn patrons causes Aza to shy away from others and feel self-concious. Her only reprieve comes from singing - in a land where song is an integral part of society, Aza's voice is an undeniable gift. When tending to a guest room one day, Aza accidently stumbles upon a new way to use her talent - she discovers the ability to project her voice - or 'illusing,' as she calls it - to sound from anywhere in the room, a talent that proves to be very rare and coveted. At age fifteen, when the duchess of Olixo, a frequent guest at the inn, unexpectedly invites Aza to accompany her to the Ayorthaian king's wedding, she finds herself amid oppourtunities she never imagined. King Oscaro's bride, Ivi, befriends Aza, presenting to her the position of the queen's lady-in-waiting, with the promise of land, riches, and the chance to hold the title of Lady; thinking she would be able to help her family with the money, she accepts the offer. But when misfortune strikes the king, Queen Ivi's true nature is revealed when she blackmails Aza into illusing for her at the king's 'Healing Sing,' and at any point thereafter when singing was required. As if that wasn't enough, unrest and backlash against Ivi and Aza rises throughout the kingdom, after the queen's unfair rule outlaws singing, exiles birds from the palace, and refuses aid to people in need. Despairing and still yearning for the acceptance of those around her, Aza finds solace in her blossoming friendship with the king's nephew, Prince Ijori, until disaster strikes when a confrontation between Ivi and several of her attendants leads to the revelation of the illusing deal between the queen and her lady-in-waiting - Ivi twists the blame onto Aza, and after cruel accusations are made about her possible half-non-human ancestry and some unwitting magic takes place, Aza is thrown into the dungeon. " Jessica Sayers, Resident Scholar

Ash Ash

I adored this book alot! It was lots of fun to read

This is the best book ever!!!!! You should totally read it. I think that allot of people would enjoy this book.